Question

A client with depression is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy. Which statement is true regarding the use of electroconvulsive therapy? A. Anticonvulsant medication is given prior to the procedure to prevent a tonic-clonic seizure. B. Failure to remember events occurring near the time of electroconvulsive therapy are common. C. Most clients suffer long-term memory loss after receiving electroconvulsive therapy. D. The procedure is brief, so no medication is given prior to electroconvulsive therapy.

Short answer

Answer: Failure to remember events occurring near the time of electroconvulsive therapy are common.

Step-by-step solution

Statement A

Anticonvulsant medication is given prior to the procedure to prevent a tonic-clonic seizure. This statement is incorrect because the main purpose of ECT is to induce a controlled seizure to treat depression. Giving anticonvulsant medication would counter the desired outcome of ECT.

Statement B

Failure to remember events occurring near the time of electroconvulsive therapy are common. This statement is correct. Memory loss, especially short-term memory loss, is a common side effect of ECT. Patients might not remember events that took place shortly before or after the treatment.

Statement C

Most clients suffer long-term memory loss after receiving electroconvulsive therapy. This statement is incorrect. While it is true that some patients might experience long-term memory loss, it is not the most common side effect and it doesn't affect most clients.

Statement D

The procedure is brief, so no medication is given prior to electroconvulsive therapy. This statement is incorrect. While the procedure is indeed brief, medications such as short-acting anesthetics and muscle relaxants are given prior to ECT to ensure patient's comfort and minimize potential side effects. Based on the analysis of the statements above, the correct answer is: B. Failure to remember events occurring near the time of electroconvulsive therapy are common.