Question

A client scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy asks the nurse how the therapy helps relieve her depression. The nurse's response is based on an understanding that ECT: A. Eliminates the neurotransmitter acetylcholine B. Increases the perception of external stimuli C. Decreases levels of cortisol from the adrenal cortex D. Produces a seizure that temporarily alters brain chemicals

Short answer

A) ECT eliminates the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. B) ECT increases the perception of external stimuli. C) ECT decreases the levels of cortisol from the adrenal cortex. D) ECT produces a seizure that temporarily alters brain chemicals. Answer: D) ECT produces a seizure that temporarily alters brain chemicals. Explanation: ECT induces a seizure that has widespread effects on brain chemistry, including the release of various neurotransmitters and the modulation of various brain receptors. These changes are believed to help relieve symptoms of depression and other mental disorders.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment commonly used in psychiatry. It involves passing a small electric current through the brain to induce a seizure, which can help to relieve the symptoms of certain mental disorders like severe depression.

Evaluating Option A

Option A suggests that ECT eliminates the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This is not true. ECT does not specifically target or eliminate any neurotransmitters. Instead, it induces a seizure, which has widespread effects on brain chemistry. So, option A is not the correct answer.

Evaluating Option B

Option B suggests that ECT increases the perception of external stimuli. This is also not true. Although ECT can lead to heightened brain activity, its primary therapeutic effect is not based on increasing the perception of external stimuli. Thus, option B is not the correct answer.

Evaluating Option C

Option C suggests that ECT decreases the levels of cortisol from the adrenal cortex. This is partially true. Some research shows that ECT can lead to a reduction in cortisol levels. However, the primary therapeutic effect of ECT is not just due to this specific mechanism. Thus, option C is not the most correct answer.

Evaluating Option D

Option D suggests that ECT produces a seizure that temporarily alters brain chemicals. This is the correct answer. The seizure induced by ECT has been shown to have widespread effects on brain chemistry, including the release of various neurotransmitters and the modulation of various brain receptors. These changes are believed to help relieve symptoms of depression and other mental disorders.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the given options, the nurse's response should be based on an understanding that ECT produces a seizure that temporarily alters brain chemicals, as mentioned in Option D. This helps to relieve depression by affecting various neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain.