Electroconvulsive Therapy

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Created by
Irene Aguado

Cards (8)

  • Electroconvulsive Therapy is indicated when medications are ineffective for depression, acute suicidal crisis; last resort
  • Frequency of Electroconvulsive Therapy: every other day (6 – 15 sessions)
  • Pre-Meds of Electroconvulsive Therapy
    S - Succinylcholine (muscle relaxant)
    A - Atropine Sulfate (Anti-cholinergic) - decrease salivation/secretions to prevent aspiration
    M - Methohexital (Anesthesia)
  • Voltage of Electroconvulsive Therapy: 75 to 150 Volts
  • The main effect of Electroconvulsive Therapy is to cause Grand Mal Seizure and it's side effect is Amnesia
  • Length of electrical shock applied to the patient: 0.2 to 8 secs produces 30-60 seconds of grand-mal seizure
  • Nursing Considerations
    Before ECT:
    • Informed consent
    • NPO by midnight
    • Void before procedure
    • Remove dentures and jewelries
    • Prepare pre meds
    • Xray (CI: fracture or dislocation)
    • Routine benzodiazepines must be omitted the night before ECT
  • Nursing Considerations
    After ECT:
    • Position: side lying or turn head to side
    • Do not give water without checking gag reflex
    • Reorient the patient