A client with cognitive deficits is extremely suicidal and has not responded to antidepressants. The treatment team is considering electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which client information would impact the feasibility of this treatment option?
Because of the client's cognitive deficits, a signed consent is waived.
Because informed consent is required for ECT, cognitive deficits could preclude this option.
Because the client is extremely suicidal, ECT is an appropriate option.
Because antidepressant medications have been ineffective, ECT is a good alternative.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Informed consent is a critical component of many medical treatments, including ECT. It involves the patient's understanding and agreement to the procedure after being fully informed of the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Cognitive deficits can impair a patient's ability to provide informed consent, but they do not automatically waive the requirement for such consent. In fact, additional safeguards are often put in place to protect the rights of individuals with cognitive impairments.
Choice B reason:
ECT is a medical procedure that requires informed consent due to the potential risks and side effects associated with it. If a client has cognitive deficits severe enough to impact their decision-making capacity, they may not be able to provide informed consent. In such cases, treatment options would need to be reconsidered, and alternative methods of obtaining consent, such as through a legal guardian or a court order, might be necessary.
Choice C reason:
While it is true that ECT is considered an effective treatment for severe depression and suicidality, the decision to use ECT should not be based solely on these criteria². The ability of the client to understand and consent to the treatment is also a crucial factor. Therefore, the extremity of the client's suicidal ideation alone does not make ECT automatically the appropriate option without considering the consent issue.
Choice D reason:
ECT is indeed an alternative treatment when antidepressant medications have been ineffective, especially in cases of severe depression and suicidality². However, the effectiveness of ECT does not negate the need for informed consent. The client's cognitive ability to provide consent remains a determining factor in the feasibility of ECT as a treatment option.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This client presents with negative symptoms of schizophrenia, which are often associated with a poorer prognosis. Negative symptoms like alogia and anhedonia indicate a diminished emotional response and lack of motivation, which can severely impact the client's ability to function and respond to treatment.

Choice B reason: Having a first cousin with bipolar I disorder may suggest a genetic predisposition to mood disorders but does not directly influence the prognosis of a client already diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Choice C reason: While an exacerbation of hallucinations and delusions indicates a worsening of symptoms, it is the positive symptoms of schizophrenia that are often more responsive to treatment. Therefore, this client may not necessarily have the worst outcomes.
Choice D reason: An older adult with a late onset of schizophrenia typically has a better prognosis than those with an earlier onset. Late-onset schizophrenia is often less severe and may respond better to treatment.
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Elevated prolactin levels can lead to galactorrhea, which is the production of breast milk in individuals who are not breastfeeding.

Choice B reason: Gynecomastia, the enlargement of breast tissue in males, can also be a symptom associated with high prolactin levels.
Choice C reason: Social withdrawal is a symptom of Schizophrenia but is not directly related to elevated prolactin levels.
Choice D reason: Apathy can be a symptom of Schizophrenia but is not directly related to elevated prolactin levels.
Choice E reason: Anhedonia is a symptom of Schizophrenia but is not directly related to elevated prolactin levels.
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