Which statement is true regarding Modified ECT?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

Explanation

Modified ECT involves the administration of medications to make the procedure safer and more comfortable than direct (unmodified) ECT.
A muscle relaxant, typically succinylcholine, is given intravenously after the patient is anesthetized.
The primary purpose of the muscle relaxant is to prevent the violent tonic-clonic motor activity of the seizure.
This modification significantly reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, such as fractures and dislocations, which were a major concern with unmodified ECT.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option B: Painkillers (analgesics) are not administered prior to ECT because the patient is under general anesthesia and does not perceive pain during the procedure.
Option C: Antiemetics are not routinely administered before ECT. Their use is selective, not standard.
Option D: This option is incorrect because the statement that a muscle relaxant is used prior to ECT is true.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacological agents used in Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The nurse's role in preparing a patient for ECT is critical. This includes ensuring NPO status, verifying consent, checking for dentures or foreign objects in the mouth, and establishing IV access.
Post-procedure, the nurse must monitor the patient's vital signs, respiratory status (due to anesthesia and muscle relaxants), and orientation until they are fully recovered.
Patient safety is the primary reason for the 'modification' of ECT. Understanding the roles of anesthesia and muscle relaxation is fundamental to providing safe care.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is 'Modified ECT'. The word 'Modified' is key.
Recall the difference between direct (unmodified) and modified ECT. The modification refers to the use of medications.
Evaluate each option based on the standard protocol for modified ECT.
Option A mentions a muscle relaxant. This is the primary medication that 'modifies' the convulsion to prevent injury.
Option B mentions a painkiller. Anesthesia makes the procedure painless, so pre-procedure painkillers are unnecessary.
Option C mentions an anti-emetic. This is not a routine medication for all patients.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pharmacological agents used in Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Stem keywords: Modified ECT, statement is true
Lead-in keywords: Which statement is true

Question ID

QttO3NlenX7iQ3w_G2lY-s

Reference Book

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 2303-2305

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) pp. 11192-11194, 11193-11195

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