Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

What is a temporary sign that a client may exhibit after receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

1. Memory impairment

2. Hallucinations

3. Severe anxiety

4. Increased appetite

The correct answer is: Memory impairment

Memory impairment is recognized as a temporary and common side effect that a client may experience after receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This type of memory issue generally manifests as difficulty recalling recent events or information and can vary in duration from hours to days or longer. The underlying mechanism is related to the electrical activity in the brain during the procedure and its subsequent effects on memory formation and retrieval. In the context of ECT, it is essential to note that while memory impairment can occur, most patients ultimately see improvements in their overall mental health condition, significantly outweighing the short-term cognitive side effects. Many healthcare providers closely monitor cognitive function post-ECT and can offer support and strategies to help manage any temporary memory problems. The other options, while they may occur in different scenarios related to psychiatric conditions or treatments, are not typical or expected temporary signs immediately following ECT.