An elderly client has met the criteria for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.The client does not respond to antidepressant medications.Which treatment should a nurse anticipate that the physician would prescribe for this client?

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The nurse should anticipate that ECT will be ordered to treat this client's symptoms of depression.ECT remains one of the safest and most effective treatments for major depressive disorder in older adults.When a client does not respond to antidepressant medications or has been diagnosed with co-morbid disease processes that prohibit the use of antidepressant medications,ECT is considered the treatment of choice.The response to ECT may be slower in older clients,and the effects may be of limited duration.

An Elderly Client Has Met the Criteria for a Diagnosis