Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and will receive succinylcholine. The client asks the nurse about this medication. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A) It's a medication that will help relax your muscles during the procedure.
B) It's a painkiller to reduce any discomfort you might feel afterward.
C) It's an anesthetic to help you fall asleep during the therapy.
D) It's a medication to prevent seizures during the treatment.

Answer 1

Succinylcholine is a neuromuscular blocker used to relax muscles during ECT, ensuring patient safety by preventing muscle contractions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct response the nurse should make to a client asking about succinylcholine before electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is: It's a medication that will help relax your muscles during the procedure. Succinylcholine is a short-acting neuromuscular blocker or muscle relaxant that works by binding to acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction and prevents muscle contractions. It's commonly used during ECT to prevent injury by temporarily paralyzing the muscles. The muscle relaxation it provides is crucial to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the therapy.