NCLEX Patient Needs Psychosocial Integrity Therapeutic Communications Related

Review NCLEX Patient Needs Psychosocial Integrity Therapeutic Communications related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Which assessment findings should the nurse identify as expected short-term side effects of ECT that do not require notifying the primary health care provider?

  • A. Confusion
  • B. Memory loss
  • C. Hypertension
  • D. Disorientation
  • E. Heart palpitations
Correct Answer: A,B,D

Rationale: The major expected side effects of ECT are confusion, disorientation, and memory loss. A change in blood pressure or presence of heart palpitations would not be anticipated side effects and would be causes for concern. If hypertension or presence of heart palpitations occurred after ECT, the primary health care provider should be notified.