A nurse is assisting in the care of an adolescent who states, "I hate living at home. It's impossible to please my parents." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Opioid analgesics are not typically given before electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Instead, a general anesthetic and a muscle relaxant are administered to ensure the patient is asleep and to prevent muscle contractions during the procedure. The nurse should inform the client about the medications they will receive before ECT, but opioid analgesics are not usually part of the protocol.

Choice B reason: Confusion and temporary memory loss are common side effects immediately following ECT. Clients should be informed to expect these cognitive effects, which can last for a few hours to days. Educating the client about these side effects helps prepare them for what to expect post-procedure and ensures they have appropriate support during their recovery period.

Choice C reason: Clients are usually instructed to fast (not eat or drink) for a shorter period, typically 6-8 hours, before the procedure to reduce the risk of aspiration during anesthesia. Informing the client to fast for 24 hours is excessive and not in line with standard preoperative fasting guidelines.

Choice D reason: A consent form is required before undergoing ECT. Informed consent is a critical component of the process, ensuring that the client understands the procedure, its benefits, risks, and potential side effects. The nurse must reinforce the importance of obtaining and signing the consent form before proceeding with ECT.

Choice A reason: Drinking alcohol, such as red wine, before bed is not recommended for improving sleep. While alcohol may initially make a person feel drowsy, it can disrupt the sleep cycle, leading to poor sleep quality and frequent awakenings during the night. It is better to avoid alcohol close to bedtime to promote better sleep hygiene.

Choice B reason: Limiting caffeine intake to one or two servings during daytime hours is a beneficial recommendation for improving sleep. Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. By reducing caffeine consumption and avoiding it in the late afternoon and evening, individuals can enhance their chances of achieving restful sleep.

Choice C reason: Exercising 1 hour before bedtime is not advisable as vigorous physical activity close to bedtime can be stimulating and may make it harder to fall asleep. It is generally recommended to finish exercise at least a few hours before bedtime to allow the body to wind down and prepare for sleep.

Choice D reason: Staying in bed for 1 hour before getting up if unable to sleep can lead to frustration and anxiety about not being able to sleep. It is more effective to get out of bed and engage in a quiet, relaxing activity until feeling sleepy, then return to bed. This approach helps associate the bed with sleep rather than wakefulness.