Following electroconvulsive therapy, the patient with bipolar disorder tells the nurse he does not remember whether he arrived by bus or car. Which response by the nurse is appropriate? 

Correct

  • “We will arrange transportation.”
  • “Can I call a family member to help you?”
  • “Do you have your car keys with you?”
  • Alert the physician at once

Rationale

Bipolar disorder, formerly referred to as manic-depressive illness, is a psychiatric condition characterized by alternating periods of profound depression and elation. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the modalities used in managing symptoms of bipolar disorder. It is performed by delivering small levels of electricity in order to trigger a momentary seizure affecting hormones, neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and neurotrophic factors. One of the noted side-effects of ECT includes anterograde and retrograde amnesia. Anterograde amnesia clear ups quickly, and retrograde amnesia affects events that happened immediately prior to the treatment and take a little longer to clear. The man should be given some more time to recuperate before being sent home, and a family member or guardian should help him home. Arranging transportation, alerting the physician, and asking the patient about the car keys are not appropriate questions.

  • Category: Psychosocial Integrity
  • Difficulty: 7
  • Tags: Communication & Documentation Mental Health Disorders Cognition Crisis Management Neurology Nursing Interventions

Question 47 of 75

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