A nurse is preparing a client with severe, treatment-resistant major depressive disorder for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Arrange the following nursing actions in the chronological order they should be performed, from first to last.
- 1Provide education about the expected short-term memory loss following the procedure.
- 2Ensure the client has been NPO for 6 to 8 hours prior to the scheduled time.
- 3Request the client to void and remove their eyeglasses and dentures.
- 4Apply monitoring equipment, including a blood pressure cuff and pulse oximeter.
- 5Position the client on their side to prevent aspiration.
Answer
The correct chronological order is: providing education, ensuring NPO status, requesting the client to void and remove prosthetics, applying monitoring equipment in the treatment room, and finally positioning the client on their side during recovery.
The nursing care for a client undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) follows a strict chronological protocol to ensure clinical safety. It begins with comprehensive pre-procedure education and consent verification. On the day of the procedure, verifying NPO status is crucial to prevent aspiration. Immediately prior to transport, the client is asked to void and remove items that could cause injury, such as dentures and eyeglasses. In the treatment room, monitoring equipment is applied before anesthesia and the muscle relaxant are administered. Finally, during the post-procedure recovery phase, the client is positioned on their side to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration as they regain consciousness.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Nursing Protocol