RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2023
Mental Health Nursing
Medium

ECT is not indicated in

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2023

Explanation

  • Obsessive-compulsive neurosis (or OCD) is primarily an anxiety disorder, and ECT is generally not considered an effective or standard treatment for this condition.
  • While some case reports mention its use in severe, treatment-refractory OCD, it is not a primary indication.
  • ECT is reserved for severe mood disorders and psychotic conditions that are often life-threatening or have failed to respond to other treatments.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: Catatonic schizophrenia is a primary indication for ECT. The treatment can be life-saving, especially in cases of lethal catatonia characterized by stupor and autonomic instability.
  • Option B: Acute, severe depression is the most common indication for ECT. It is highly effective for patients with high suicidal risk, psychotic features, or those who are not responding to antidepressant medications.
  • Option D: Acute mania is a recognized indication for ECT. It is used for severe manic episodes that are resistant to pharmacotherapy or when a rapid response is needed due to dangerous behavior.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Indications and Contraindications of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • The nurse's role in ECT is critical for patient safety. This includes thorough pre-procedure preparation, monitoring during the procedure, and providing supportive care and reorientation post-procedure.
  • Patient and family education is a key nursing responsibility. Many people have misconceptions about ECT, and providing accurate information can reduce anxiety and help in obtaining informed consent.
  • What if? If a patient scheduled for ECT has a history of a recent myocardial infarction, this is a significant risk factor. The nurse must ensure a full cardiac workup has been completed and that the cardiology and psychiatry teams have collaboratively decided that the benefits of ECT outweigh the cardiovascular risks.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify that the question is a negative-lead question, asking what ECT is 'NOT' indicated for.
  • Recall the primary indications for ECT. Think of severe, life-threatening psychiatric conditions.
  • Evaluate each option against your knowledge of ECT indications.
  • Option A (Catatonic schizophrenia), Option B (Acute depression), and Option D (Acute mania) are all classic, primary indications for ECT.
  • Option C (Obsessive compulsive neurosis) is an anxiety-related disorder. While other treatments are first-line, ECT is not a standard therapy for it.
  • Therefore, the condition that does not fit the profile for standard ECT use is the correct answer.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Indications and Contraindications of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
  • Stem keywords: ECT, indicated
  • Lead-in keywords: not
  • Negative lead-in flag: Question asks for the exception (NOT indicated)

Question ID

Qr12k7S6pDnVPILa82f1nF

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 11174-11176

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) pp. 2300-2302, 2301-2303

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