A nurse is assisting with the care of a client following electroconvulsive therapy for the treatment of a depressive disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect 15 min following the procedure?

A) Tonic-clonic seizures: Tonic-clonic seizures are typically the result of a seizure disorder, but during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a controlled seizure is intentionally induced to facilitate the therapeutic effects. After the procedure, there should not be uncontrolled tonic-clonic seizures. The goal is to induce a seizure under controlled conditions during the procedure itself, so this is not an expected finding 15 minutes post-ECT. B) Paresthesias: Paresthesias (tingling or numbness) are not a common immediate side effect following ECT. While ECT can have some neurological effects, paresthesias are more commonly associated with other neurological conditions or nerve injuries, rather than as a direct result of the procedure itself. C) Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is not a typical immediate consequence of ECT. While ECT can have a range of physical and psychological side effects, sleep apnea, which involves breathing interruptions during sleep, is not an expected finding following the procedure. D) Disorientation: Disorientation is a common and expected finding following ECT. It typically occurs due to the temporary effects of anesthesia, the brain’s response to the electrical stimulation, and the stress of the procedure. Clients often experience confusion, memory loss, and disorientation for a short period, particularly in the first 15 minutes after the procedure, as the anesthesia wears off and they recover from the induced seizure. This is a normal part of the recovery process.