During electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), oxygen is administered. What is the primary purpose of providing oxygen during this procedure?

• During electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), the primary purpose of providing oxygen is to ensure that the brain receives an adequate supply of oxygen throughout the procedure.
• ECT involves inducing controlled seizures in the patient, which can potentially affect breathing. By administering oxygen, healthcare providers aim to prevent hypoxia (a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues).
• Adequate oxygenation is crucial during ECT to protect brain function and ensure patient safety.

• Rationale: This is not the primary purpose of administering oxygen during ECT. Pain prevention is usually managed with anesthesia and muscle relaxants, which are given to the patient before the procedure begins.

• Rationale: Muscle relaxation and injury prevention are managed with the use of muscle relaxants, not oxygen. Muscle relaxants reduce the severity of muscle contractions during the induced seizure, thereby minimizing the risk of physical injury.

• Rationale: While oxygen administration is important for patient safety, it does not directly enhance the therapeutic effect of ECT. The effectiveness of ECT is related to the electrical stimulation and the resulting controlled seizure activity.

• Administering oxygen during electroconvulsive therapy is primarily done to maintain an adequate oxygen supply to the brain, ensuring the patient's safety and preventing hypoxia. Other aspects such as pain prevention, muscle relaxation, and the effectiveness of the therapy are managed through different means, including anesthesia and muscle relaxants.

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