How should the nurse respond to a daughter's concern about the pain of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for her mother?

How should the nurse respond to a daughter's concern about the pain of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for her mother?

• A. Your mother will be given something for pain before the treatment.
• B. The primary health care provider will make sure your mother doesn't suffer needlessly.
• C. Your mother will be asleep during the treatment and will not be in pain.
• D. Your mother will be able to talk to us and tell us if she's in pain.

Answer: (C)

The correct response highlights that the mother will be asleep during the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment, which is essential in alleviating any concerns about pain. During ECT, patients are administered anesthetics and muscle relaxants to ensure they remain unconscious and do not experience pain or discomfort during the procedure. This understanding can significantly reassure the daughter, as it emphasizes that her mother will not be aware of the treatment's process and thus will not experience pain. This approach focuses on the safety and comfort of the patient, which is a vital aspect of care in procedures like ECT. By providing this information, the nurse effectively addresses the daughter's concern while reinforcing the therapeutic practices in place to ensure a pain-free experience.

The correct response highlights that the mother will be asleep during the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment, which is essential in alleviating any concerns about pain. During ECT, patients are administered anesthetics and muscle relaxants to ensure they remain unconscious and do not experience pain or discomfort during the procedure. This understanding can significantly reassure the daughter, as it emphasizes that her mother will not be aware of the treatment's process and thus will not experience pain.

This approach focuses on the safety and comfort of the patient, which is a vital aspect of care in procedures like ECT. By providing this information, the nurse effectively addresses the daughter's concern while reinforcing the therapeutic practices in place to ensure a pain-free experience.