The nurse has attended a staff education program about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Which of the following statements by the nurse would indicate a correct understanding of the teaching?
The nurse has attended a staff education program about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Which of the following statements by the nurse would indicate a correct understanding of the teaching?
A. "ECT requires one treatment every other week for 6 to 12 weeks."
[45%]
B. "ECT requires an individual to receive general anesthesia."
[35%]
C. "Epilepsy is a long-term adverse effect of this treatment."
[11%]
D. "Monitoring the client's white blood cell (WBC) count during treatments is required."
[8%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Mental Health
Lesson
Mental Health
Client Need
Test Plan
Psychosocial Integrity
Related Topic
Mental Health Concepts
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice B is correct. ECT is performed under general anesthesia, often with the use of a short-acting anesthetic and a muscle relaxant to minimize seizure-related motor activity and ensure client comfort and safety during the procedure.
Choice A is incorrect. ECT is typically administered 2–3 times per week for several weeks, not once every other week. Maintenance ECT, if prescribed, may occur less frequently, but this statement does not accurately describe standard treatment scheduling.
Choice C is incorrect. While ECT intentionally induces a controlled seizure, it does not cause epilepsy. There is no evidence that ECT leads to the development of chronic seizure disorders. Memory loss is a common short-term side effect, especially anterograde and retrograde amnesia. However, memory typically improves over time following the completion of ECT treatments.
Choice D is incorrect. WBC monitoring is not required for ECT. This is relevant for other treatments (e.g., clozapine for schizophrenia), but not for ECT.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Electroconvulsive Therapy
32.1 Psychopharmacology (Medications & Treatments)
Additional Info
✓ Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) involves the electrical induction of a seizure under controlled conditions. The mechanism of action for ECT is uncertain, but the production of seizure activity appears to be integral to its antidepressant effects.
✓ ECT treatments are generally given two to three times weekly for three to four weeks, for a total of six to 12 treatments.
✓ Clients who have stopped eating may need ECT to prevent death.
✓ ECT is particularly effective for psychotic depression.
✓ Relapse after ECT is common, and drug therapy is often maintained after ECT is stopped.
