AIIMS Raipur NO - 2019 (Shift-2)
Mental Health Nursing
Easy

is the procedure of artificial induction of grand mal seizure, through the application of electrical current to the brain?

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO - 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure where a controlled electrical current is passed through the brain to intentionally trigger a brief, generalized (grand mal) seizure.
  • The term itself provides clues: 'Electro' refers to the electrical current, and 'convulsive' refers to the seizure.
  • It is considered one ofthe most effective treatments for severe, treatment-resistant depression, mania, and catatonia.
  • The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with a muscle relaxant to ensure patient safety and comfort.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: Trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses magnetic fields, not a direct electrical current, to stimulate nerve cells in a specific area of the brain. It does not induce a grand mal seizure.
  • Option B: Reflexology is a complementary therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and ears. It does not involve electricity or seizure induction.
  • Option C: Phototherapy involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light. It is used to treat conditions like neonatal jaundice, certain skin disorders, and seasonal affective disorder. It has no connection to electrical currents or seizures.

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 Somatic Therapies in Psychiatry as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • The nurse plays a vital role in patient safety and education throughout the ECT process, from pre-procedure preparation (NPO status, consent, removing dentures) to post-procedure monitoring (airway, vitals, orientation).
  • Managing patient and family anxiety through education about the procedure, its benefits, and potential side effects like temporary memory loss is a key nursing responsibility.
  • What if? A patient scheduled for ECT has a history of cardiac arrhythmia. The nurse's role becomes even more critical. They must ensure continuous ECG monitoring is in place, have emergency cardiac medications readily available, and closely monitor vital signs before, during, and after the procedure to manage any cardiac instability.
How to Approach the Question
  • This is a factual recall question that asks for the definition of a medical procedure.
  • First, identify the key phrases in the question: 'artificial induction,' 'grand mal seizure,' and 'application of electrical current to the brain.'
  • Analyze the options based on these keywords. The term 'Electroconvulsive therapy' directly aligns with the keywords 'electrical' (Electro-) and 'seizure' (convulsive).
  • Eliminate options that do not match. TMS uses magnets, not direct current. Reflexology uses pressure. Phototherapy uses light.
  • Confirming that ECT is the only option involving both electricity and induced seizures leads to the correct answer.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Somatic Therapies in Psychiatry
  • Stem keywords: artificial induction, grand mal seizure, electrical current, brain
  • Lead-in keywords: is the procedure of

Question ID

Q_1EUuepFjtkwQX_Z20igU

Reference Book

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) pp. 2294-2296, 2292-2294

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 11156-11158

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