NUR-285
NUR-285 Exam 2 |Combined Test Bank
|Graded A+ 2026
1. A nurse administers pure oxygen to a client during and after electroconvulsive
therapy. What is the nurse's rationale for this procedure?
A. To prevent increased intracranial pressure resulting from anoxia
B. To prevent hypotension, bradycardia, and bradypnea due to electrical stimulation
C. To prevent anoxia due to medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles
D. To prevent blocked airway resulting from seizure activity
ANS: C
The nurse administers 100% oxygen during and after electroconvulsive therapy to
prevent anoxia due to medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles.
Electroconvulsive therapy is the induction of a grand mal seizure through the application
of electrical current to the brain.
2. Immediately after electroconvulsive therapy, in which position should a nurse place
the client?
A. On his or her side to prevent aspiration
B. In semi-Fowler's position to promote oxygenation
C. In Trendelenburg's position to promote blood flow to vital organs
D. In prone position to prevent airway blockage
ANS: A
The nurse should place a client who has received electroconvulsive therapy on his or her
side to prevent aspiration. After the treatment, most clients will awaken within 10 to 15
minutes and will be confused and disoriented. Some clients will sleep for 1 to 2 hours.
All clients require close observation following treatment.
3. A nursing instructor is teaching about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which student
statement indicates that learning has occurred?
A. "During ECT a state of euphoria is induced."
B. "ECT induces a grand mal seizure."
C. "During ECT a state of catatonia is induced."
D. "ECT induces a petit mal seizure."
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ANS: B
Electroconvulsive therapy is the induction of a grand mal seizure through the application
of electrical current to the brain for the purpose of decreasing depression.
4. A chronically depressed and suicidal client is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The client
is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). During the course of ECT, a nurse
should recognize the continued need for which critical intervention?
A. Suicide assessment must continue throughout the ECT course.
B. Antidepressant medications are contraindicated throughout the ECT course.
C. Discourage expressions of hopelessness throughout the ECT course.
D. Encourage a high-caloric diet throughout the ECT course.
ANS: A
ECT is an intervention for major depression that often includes suicidal ideations as a
symptom. Continued suicide assessment is needed because mood improvement due to
ECT may cause the client to act on suicidal ideations.
5. After undergoing two of nine electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedures, a client
states, "I can't even remember eating breakfast, so I want to stop the ECT." Which is the
most appropriate nursing reply?
A. "After you begin the course of treatments, you must complete all of them."
B. "You'll need to talk with your doctor about what you're thinking."
C. "It is within your right to discontinue the treatments, but let's talk about your
concerns."
D. "Memory loss is a rare side effect of the treatment. I don't think it should be a
concern."
ANS: C
The client has the right to terminate treatment. This nursing reply acknowledges this
right but focuses on the client's concerns so that the nurse can provide needed
information.
6. Immediately after an initial electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedure, a client states,
"I'm not hungry and just want to stay in bed and sleep." On the basis of this information,
which is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Allow the client to remain in bed.
B. Encourage the client to join the milieu to promote socialization.
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C. Obtain a physician's order for parenteral nutrition.
D. Involve the client in physical activities to stimulate circulation.
ANS: A
Immediately after electroconvulsive therapy a nurse should monitor pulse, respirations,
and blood pressure every 15 minutes for the first hour, during which time the client
should remain in bed.
7. A nurse administers ordered preoperative glycopyrrolate (Robinul) 30 minutes prior to
a client's electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedure. What is the rationale for
administering this medication?
A. Robinul decreases anxiety during the ECT procedure.
B. Robinul induces an unconscious state to prevent pain during the ECT procedure.
C. Robinul prevents severe muscle contractions during the ECT procedure.
D. Robinul decreases secretions to prevent aspiration during the ECT procedure.
ANS: D
Glycopyrrolate (Robinul) is the standard preoperative medication given prior to ECT
procedures to decrease secretions and prevent aspiration.
8. A nursing instructor is teaching about the medications given prior to and during
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which student statement indicates that learning has
occurred?
A. "Atropine (Atro-Pen) is administered to paralyze skeletal muscles during ECT."
B. "Succinylcholine chloride (Anectine) decreases secretions to prevent aspiration."
C. "Thiopental sodium (Pentothal) is a short-acting anesthesia to render the client
unconscious."
D. "Glycopyrrolate (Robinul) is given to prevent severe muscle contractions during
seizure."
ANS: C
In order to render a client unconscious during the ECT procedure, an anesthesiologist
administers intravenously a short-acting anesthetic such as thiopental sodium
(Pentothal).
9. A client scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) at 9:00 a.m. is discovered
eating breakfast at 8:00 a.m. On the basis of this observation, which is the most
appropriate nursing action?
A. The nurse notifies the client's physician of the situation and cancels the ECT.
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B. The nurse removes the breakfast tray and assists the client to the ECT procedure
room.
C. The nurse allows the client to finish breakfast and reschedules ECT for 10:00 a.m.
D. The nurse increases the client's fluid intake to facilitate the digestive process.
ANS: A
A client who is scheduled for ECT procedures is given nothing by mouth (NPO) for a
minimum of 6 to 8 hours before treatment.
10. A client who is learning about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) asks a nurse, "Isn't this
treatment dangerous?" Which is the most appropriate nursing reply?
A. "No, this treatment is side-effect free."
B. "There can be temporary paralysis, but full functioning returns within 3 hours of
treatment."
C. "There are some risks, but a thorough examination will determine your candidacy for
ECT."
D. "Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) can occur but are rare."
ANS: C
Clients are given medical clearance for ECT. This decreases the risk of injury from the
treatment.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client
Need: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
11. A client experienced bradycardia during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A nurse
assigns a nursing diagnosis of decreased cardiac output R/T vagal stimulation occurring
during ECT. Which outcome would the nurse expect the client to achieve?
A. The client will verbalize an understanding of the need for moving slowly after
treatment.
B. The client will maintain an oxygen saturation level of 88% 1 hour after treatment.
C. The client will continue adequate tissue perfusion 1 hour after treatment.
D. The client will verbalize an understanding of common side effects of ECT.
ANS: C
Vagal stimulation induced by ECT may cause a client to experience bradycardia.
Adequate tissue perfusion would be a realistic expectation when normal cardiac output
is restored.
NUR-285
NUR-285 Exam 2 |Combined Test Bank
|Graded A+ 2026
1. A nurse administers pure oxygen to a client during and after electroconvulsive
therapy. What is the nurse's rationale for this procedure?
A. To prevent increased intracranial pressure resulting from anoxia
B. To prevent hypotension, bradycardia, and bradypnea due to electrical stimulation
C. To prevent anoxia due to medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles
D. To prevent blocked airway resulting from seizure activity
ANS: C
The nurse administers 100% oxygen during and after electroconvulsive therapy to
prevent anoxia due to medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles.
Electroconvulsive therapy is the induction of a grand mal seizure through the application
of electrical current to the brain.
2. Immediately after electroconvulsive therapy, in which position should a nurse place
the client?
A. On his or her side to prevent aspiration
B. In semi-Fowler's position to promote oxygenation
C. In Trendelenburg's position to promote blood flow to vital organs
D. In prone position to prevent airway blockage
ANS: A
The nurse should place a client who has received electroconvulsive therapy on his or her
side to prevent aspiration. After the treatment, most clients will awaken within 10 to 15
minutes and will be confused and disoriented. Some clients will sleep for 1 to 2 hours.
All clients require close observation following treatment.
3. A nursing instructor is teaching about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which student
statement indicates that learning has occurred?
A. "During ECT a state of euphoria is induced."
B. "ECT induces a grand mal seizure."
C. "During ECT a state of catatonia is induced."
D. "ECT induces a petit mal seizure."
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ANS: B
Electroconvulsive therapy is the induction of a grand mal seizure through the application
of electrical current to the brain for the purpose of decreasing depression.
4. A chronically depressed and suicidal client is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The client
is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). During the course of ECT, a nurse
should recognize the continued need for which critical intervention?
A. Suicide assessment must continue throughout the ECT course.
B. Antidepressant medications are contraindicated throughout the ECT course.
C. Discourage expressions of hopelessness throughout the ECT course.
D. Encourage a high-caloric diet throughout the ECT course.
ANS: A
ECT is an intervention for major depression that often includes suicidal ideations as a
symptom. Continued suicide assessment is needed because mood improvement due to
ECT may cause the client to act on suicidal ideations.
5. After undergoing two of nine electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedures, a client
states, "I can't even remember eating breakfast, so I want to stop the ECT." Which is the
most appropriate nursing reply?
A. "After you begin the course of treatments, you must complete all of them."
B. "You'll need to talk with your doctor about what you're thinking."
C. "It is within your right to discontinue the treatments, but let's talk about your
concerns."
D. "Memory loss is a rare side effect of the treatment. I don't think it should be a
concern."
ANS: C
The client has the right to terminate treatment. This nursing reply acknowledges this
right but focuses on the client's concerns so that the nurse can provide needed
information.
6. Immediately after an initial electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedure, a client states,
"I'm not hungry and just want to stay in bed and sleep." On the basis of this information,
which is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Allow the client to remain in bed.
B. Encourage the client to join the milieu to promote socialization.
NUR-285
,NUR-285
C. Obtain a physician's order for parenteral nutrition.
D. Involve the client in physical activities to stimulate circulation.
ANS: A
Immediately after electroconvulsive therapy a nurse should monitor pulse, respirations,
and blood pressure every 15 minutes for the first hour, during which time the client
should remain in bed.
7. A nurse administers ordered preoperative glycopyrrolate (Robinul) 30 minutes prior to
a client's electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedure. What is the rationale for
administering this medication?
A. Robinul decreases anxiety during the ECT procedure.
B. Robinul induces an unconscious state to prevent pain during the ECT procedure.
C. Robinul prevents severe muscle contractions during the ECT procedure.
D. Robinul decreases secretions to prevent aspiration during the ECT procedure.
ANS: D
Glycopyrrolate (Robinul) is the standard preoperative medication given prior to ECT
procedures to decrease secretions and prevent aspiration.
8. A nursing instructor is teaching about the medications given prior to and during
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which student statement indicates that learning has
occurred?
A. "Atropine (Atro-Pen) is administered to paralyze skeletal muscles during ECT."
B. "Succinylcholine chloride (Anectine) decreases secretions to prevent aspiration."
C. "Thiopental sodium (Pentothal) is a short-acting anesthesia to render the client
unconscious."
D. "Glycopyrrolate (Robinul) is given to prevent severe muscle contractions during
seizure."
ANS: C
In order to render a client unconscious during the ECT procedure, an anesthesiologist
administers intravenously a short-acting anesthetic such as thiopental sodium
(Pentothal).
9. A client scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) at 9:00 a.m. is discovered
eating breakfast at 8:00 a.m. On the basis of this observation, which is the most
appropriate nursing action?
A. The nurse notifies the client's physician of the situation and cancels the ECT.
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B. The nurse removes the breakfast tray and assists the client to the ECT procedure
room.
C. The nurse allows the client to finish breakfast and reschedules ECT for 10:00 a.m.
D. The nurse increases the client's fluid intake to facilitate the digestive process.
ANS: A
A client who is scheduled for ECT procedures is given nothing by mouth (NPO) for a
minimum of 6 to 8 hours before treatment.
10. A client who is learning about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) asks a nurse, "Isn't this
treatment dangerous?" Which is the most appropriate nursing reply?
A. "No, this treatment is side-effect free."
B. "There can be temporary paralysis, but full functioning returns within 3 hours of
treatment."
C. "There are some risks, but a thorough examination will determine your candidacy for
ECT."
D. "Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) can occur but are rare."
ANS: C
Clients are given medical clearance for ECT. This decreases the risk of injury from the
treatment.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client
Need: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
11. A client experienced bradycardia during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A nurse
assigns a nursing diagnosis of decreased cardiac output R/T vagal stimulation occurring
during ECT. Which outcome would the nurse expect the client to achieve?
A. The client will verbalize an understanding of the need for moving slowly after
treatment.
B. The client will maintain an oxygen saturation level of 88% 1 hour after treatment.
C. The client will continue adequate tissue perfusion 1 hour after treatment.
D. The client will verbalize an understanding of common side effects of ECT.
ANS: C
Vagal stimulation induced by ECT may cause a client to experience bradycardia.
Adequate tissue perfusion would be a realistic expectation when normal cardiac output
is restored.
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