Before undergoing electroconvulsive therapy, the patient should be instructed to:

Before undergoing electroconvulsive therapy, the patient should be instructed to:

• A. Remain on bedrest until the procedure is completed.
• B. Take plenty of fluids just prior to the therapy.
• C. Take nothing by mouth the morning of the treatment.
• D. Do not shower the morning of the procedure.

Answer: (C)

Nothing by mouth before the procedure is essential because electroconvulsive therapy is performed under general anesthesia with a muscle relaxant. Anesthesia suppresses the gag and swallowing reflexes, and vomiting during induction or recovery can lead to dangerous aspiration. Keeping the stomach empty minimizes that risk, making nothing by mouth the best instruction. The other ideas aren’t necessary or helpful for safety: bedrest isn’t required for this brief procedure, taking fluids right before can increase aspiration risk, and showering in the morning has no bearing on safety during ECT.

Nothing by mouth before the procedure is essential because electroconvulsive therapy is performed under general anesthesia with a muscle relaxant. Anesthesia suppresses the gag and swallowing reflexes, and vomiting during induction or recovery can lead to dangerous aspiration. Keeping the stomach empty minimizes that risk, making nothing by mouth the best instruction. The other ideas aren’t necessary or helpful for safety: bedrest isn’t required for this brief procedure, taking fluids right before can increase aspiration risk, and showering in the morning has no bearing on safety during ECT.