The nurse has been teaching the caregiver about Aricept. The nurse knows teaching has been effective by which of the following statements?

Choice A reason: Disturbed Sensory Perception involves altered sensory processing, like hallucinations, not specific to anxiety disorders with flashbacks or hypervigilance. These symptoms stem from heightened amygdala activity and dysregulated cortisol in trauma-related disorders, not sensory distortion. This diagnosis is less precise, as it does not capture the trauma-specific psychological and autonomic responses observed.

Choice B reason: Anxiety is a broad diagnosis encompassing excessive worry and autonomic arousal, but it is less specific than Post-Trauma Syndrome for symptoms like flashbacks and numbing. These indicate a trauma-related disorder, likely PTSD, driven by amygdala hyperactivation and HPA axis dysregulation, requiring a diagnosis that addresses the traumatic etiology and specific symptoms.

Choice C reason: Post-Trauma Syndrome, aligned with PTSD, is the most appropriate diagnosis for symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and numbing, which result from trauma-induced changes in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. These cause intrusive memories, heightened arousal, and emotional detachment, accurately reflecting the neurobiological impact of trauma on stress response systems.

Choice D reason: Powerlessness reflects perceived lack of control, not specific to flashbacks or hypervigilance. While trauma can cause feelings of helplessness, the defining symptoms here involve trauma-specific neurological changes, like amygdala hyperactivity, better captured by Post-Trauma Syndrome. Powerlessness is secondary and l

Choice A reason: Phenytoin, an anticonvulsant, is not routinely given before ECT, as the procedure induces controlled seizures to stimulate brain activity, treating depression via neurochemical changes. Administering phenytoin would inhibit seizure activity, reducing ECT efficacy by blocking neuronal excitability, making this an inappropriate action for the procedure.

Choice B reason: Instructing about post-ECT headaches is valid, as they result from cerebral vasoconstriction or muscle tension during seizures. However, this is a post-procedure expectation, not a priority action during planning. Monitoring cardiac rhythm takes precedence, as ECT’s autonomic stimulation poses immediate cardiovascular risks requiring real-time management.

Choice C reason: Monitoring cardiac rhythm during ECT is critical, as the procedure induces seizures that stimulate the autonomic nervous system, causing transient tachycardia or arrhythmias due to catecholamine surges. These can exacerbate underlying cardiac conditions, risking instability. Continuous monitoring ensures early detection and management of cardiovascular complications, prioritizing patient safety.

Choice D reason: Four-point restraints are not used in ECT, as patients are under general anesthesia, preventing movement. Restraints risk injury and are unnecessary, as muscle relaxants like succinylcholine minimize convulsive movements. This approach contradicts ECT’s controlled, anesthetized protocol, making it inappropriate for ensuring safety during the procedure.