A Patient Scheduled for an Initial ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) Treatment

question 17

Multiple Choice

A patient scheduled for an initial ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) treatment asks a nurse,"Isn't the electrical current dangerous?" Which response would be the most therapeutic?

• A) "The amount of electricity is very small and used for only a few seconds."
• B) "The chance of you being shocked is minimal; you won't feel anything."
• C) "There's a small chance of something going wrong; the risk is about the same as with minor surgery."
• D) "You're worried about being electrocuted, aren't you? Don't worry; there is no chance of that happening."

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Definitions:

Assumption

A belief or statement taken to be true without proof, often forming the basis for further reasoning or behavior.

Cognitive Psychology

The branch of psychology that studies mental processes including how people think, perceive, remember, and learn.

Social Psychology

The exploration of how the real, perceived, or suggested presence of others affects individuals' mental states, emotions, and actions.

Social Anthropology

The branch of anthropology that studies how contemporary human societies and cultures operate and organize themselves.