A client is being treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe, treatment-resistant depression. What is the most common side effect the nurse should anticipate and address?

ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY (ECT): An effective treatment for severe, treatment-resistant depression, acute mania, and catatonia, especially when rapid response is needed or medications have failed. PROCEDURE: Brief electrical stimulation induces a controlled seizure under general anesthesia with a muscle relaxant; typically a series of treatments (6-12); MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: Transient memory loss (especially short-term and around the treatment time) and confusion — usually temporary, resolving over days to weeks; some retrograde amnesia for events around treatment; headache, muscle soreness, nausea (transient); NURSING CARE: Pre-procedure (informed consent, NPO, baseline assessment, remove dentures/jewelry); post-procedure (monitor airway and vitals during recovery from anesthesia, reorient frequently, ensure safety due to confusion, provide reassurance about memory effects); MEMORY: Reassure the client and family that memory issues are usually temporary; provide a calm, oriented environment; ECT is safe and effective — modern ECT with anesthesia and muscle relaxants is very different from historical portrayals; nursing role: pre/post-procedure care, reorientation, safety, reassurance about transient memory effects, monitor recovery.