A nurse is caring for a client who has undergone electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of ECT?

A. Voice alteration. ECT does not directly affect the vocal cords. While general anesthesia and muscle relaxants are used during the procedure, they do not typically result in long-term voice changes. Any hoarseness would likely be due to temporary irritation from the endotracheal tube if intubation was used. B. Neck pain. While some muscle soreness can occur due to the seizure activity induced by ECT, neck pain is not a common or primary adverse effect. The use of muscle relaxants minimizes physical strain during the seizure. C. Memory deficit. Short-term memory loss is a well-known side effect of ECT. Clients often experience difficulty recalling recent events (anterograde amnesia), but this usually improves over time. Some clients may also have retrograde amnesia, affecting memories from before the procedure, though this is typically less severe. D. Headache. Mild headaches can occur after ECT due to electrical stimulation of the brain and anesthesia recovery. However, while headaches are possible, they are not as significant as memory impairment, making memory deficit the best answer.