A nurse is assisting with the care of a patient who is being admitted to an inpatient mental health care unit.

The client has a history of bipolar disorder.

Family members brought the client to the hospital after noticing that the client had become extremely agitated and anxious.

The family also reports that the client appears to be experiencing auditory hallucinations.

Upon data collection, the client speaks quickly and is unable to maintain attention or sit in one place for longer than a minute.

The client appears unkempt and reports that they cannot.

Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s progress.

A rationale:

Incorrect. While patients typically do sleep for a period after ECT, the duration is usually shorter, around 30-60 minutes.

Providing inaccurate information about the length of sleep can lead to confusion and anxiety for the patient.

Evidence: Studies have shown that the average recovery time following ECT is around 30-60 minutes, with most patients feeling alert and oriented within that time frame. (Source: NIH.gov) Choice B rationale:

Incorrect. While ECT can be highly effective in treating depression, it is not considered a cure. It's important to manage expectations and emphasize that ECT is a treatment option that can significantly improve symptoms but may not guarantee a complete cure.

Evidence: Research indicates that ECT has a remission rate of approximately 50-70% in patients with severe depression, meaning that many patients experience a significant reduction or disappearance of symptoms. However, relapse rates can range from 30-50%, indicating that ongoing maintenance treatment is often necessary. (Source: American Psychiatric Association)

Choice C rationale:

Incorrect. Muscle relaxants, not seizure-preventing medications, are administered during ECT to protect the patient from injury during the induced seizure. It's crucial to clarify this distinction to avoid misunderstandings about the procedure's mechanism of action.

Evidence: Standard ECT protocols involve the use of a short-acting muscle relaxant, such as succinylcholine, to prevent muscle contractions during the seizure. This helps to minimize the risk of physical injury and ensure patient safety. (Source: Healthline.com)

Choice D rationale:

Correct. Temporary memory loss is a common side effect of ECT, and it's essential to inform patients about this potential issue to prepare them for the experience and address any concerns they may have.

Evidence: Studies have shown that approximately 40-50% of patients experience some degree of memory impairment following ECT, primarily affecting short-term memory of events occurring around the time of treatment. However, this memory loss is usually temporary and resolves within a few weeks or months for most patients. (Source: Studocu.com)

The correct answer is choicec. The client paces in the hallway during the day and most of the night.

Choice A rationale:Giving away personal items and money can indicate impulsivity and poor judgment, which are common in manic episodes. However, this behavior does not pose an immediate physical risk to the client or others.

Choice B rationale:Hostility and sarcasm towards staff can indicate irritability and agitation, which are also common in mania. While this behavior can disrupt the therapeutic environment, it is not the highest priority unless it escalates to physical aggression.

Choice C rationale:Pacing in the hallway during the day and most of the night indicates severe hyperactivity and potential exhaustion. This behavior poses a significant risk to the client’s physical health due to the possibility of dehydration, exhaustion, and other complications from lack of rest.

Choice D rationale:Demonstrating flight of ideas is a cognitive symptom of mania where the client rapidly shifts from one idea to another. While this can affect communication and thought processes, it does not pose an immediate physical risk.

In summary, the priority is to address behaviors that pose the greatest immediate risk to the client’s physical health and safety.