A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Informing the client of available community resources is important for long-term support, but it is not the immediate priority. Before resources can be effectively utilized, the nurse must assess the client’s understanding of their diagnosis and situation. Without this foundation, resource planning may not align with the client’s needs.

Choice B reason: Assisting with child care options is a supportive intervention, but it is not the priority during the initial assessment. Child care planning comes after understanding the client’s perception of their illness and establishing care goals.

Choice C reason: Agreeing upon short-term goals is valuable for care planning, but it requires that the nurse first assess the client’s knowledge and understanding of their diagnosis. Without this, goals may not be realistic or meaningful to the client.

Choice D reason: Asking the client about their understanding of the diagnosis is the priority because it establishes a baseline for communication and care planning. It ensures that the nurse can provide education, clarify misconceptions, and tailor interventions appropriately. This step is essential before moving forward with resources or goal setting, making it the correct answer.

Choice A reason: Depression is not an adverse effect of levothyroxine. In fact, untreated hypothyroidism can cause depressive symptoms, which typically improve with appropriate thyroid hormone replacement.

Choice B reason: Weight loss is the correct answer because levothyroxine increases metabolic rate. Excessive dosing or sensitivity to the medication can lead to hyperthyroid-like symptoms, including weight loss, tachycardia, anxiety, and heat intolerance.

Choice C reason: Cold intolerance is a symptom of hypothyroidism, not an adverse effect of levothyroxine. Proper dosing should alleviate cold intolerance rather than cause it.

Choice D reason: Constipation is also a symptom of hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine therapy generally improves bowel motility. Constipation is not considered an adverse effect of the medication.