A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

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)

Choice A rationale:

Psychomotor retardation is a characteristic of depression, not hypomania. In fact, individuals with hypomania typically exhibit psychomotor agitation, which is characterized by increased energy and activity levels.

Psychomotor retardation often manifests as slowed movements, speech, and thought processes. It can significantly impact an individual's ability to perform daily tasks and engage in social interactions.

While psychomotor retardation can occur in various mental health conditions, it is not typically associated with hypomania.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased self-esteem is also a characteristic of depression, not hypomania. Individuals with hypomania typically experience inflated self-esteem and grandiosity.

They may overestimate their abilities, make unrealistic plans, or engage in risky behaviors. This inflated sense of self-worth is often a hallmark feature of hypomania and can contribute to impaired judgment and decision-making.

Choice C rationale:

Euphoria is a hallmark symptom of hypomania. It is characterized by an elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that is persistent and noticeable to others.

Individuals with euphoria often feel excessively happy, cheerful, or optimistic. They may have increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and a heightened sense of well-being.

They may also be more talkative, outgoing, and engage in pleasurable activities more often.

This elevated mood is a core feature of hypomania and is often accompanied by other characteristic symptoms, such as increased activity levels, racing thoughts, and impulsivity.

Choice D rationale:

Hallucinations are not a typical feature of hypomania. They are more commonly associated with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.

Hallucinations involve perceiving things that are not real, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there.

While hallucinations can occur in some individuals with hypomania, they are not a defining feature of the condition