In preparing a client for electroconvulsive therapy, which precaution must be observed?

In preparing a client for electroconvulsive therapy, which precaution must be observed?

• A. Make sure the client has remained NPO for at least 16 hours.
• B. Allow no medications to be given prior to the procedure.
• C. Allow the client to have a clear liquid diet up to the time of the procedure.
• D. Have client remove dentures and contact lenses.

Answer: (D)

Before ECT, safety during anesthesia and the seizure is the priority. Removable items that could cause injury or be displaced during the procedure must be taken off. Dentures can become dislodged during the seizure or during mask ventilation, posing a risk of choking, aspiration, or oral trauma. Contact lenses can be lost or damaged and may also risk corneal injury when the eyes are not fully protected during anesthesia and the seizure. By removing these items, airway patency, protection of the eyes, and prevention of foreign-body complications are ensured. The other options don’t reflect standard pre-ECT safety practice: overly long NPO or restrictions on all medications aren’t required, and a clear-liquid diet up to the procedure isn’t appropriate for anesthesia safety.

Before ECT, safety during anesthesia and the seizure is the priority. Removable items that could cause injury or be displaced during the procedure must be taken off. Dentures can become dislodged during the seizure or during mask ventilation, posing a risk of choking, aspiration, or oral trauma. Contact lenses can be lost or damaged and may also risk corneal injury when the eyes are not fully protected during anesthesia and the seizure. By removing these items, airway patency, protection of the eyes, and prevention of foreign-body complications are ensured. The other options don’t reflect standard pre-ECT safety practice: overly long NPO or restrictions on all medications aren’t required, and a clear-liquid diet up to the procedure isn’t appropriate for anesthesia safety.