Which statement about pre-procedure instructions for electroconvulsive therapy is true?

• A. Withhold anesthesia
• B. Eat a light meal immediately before
• C. NPO 6-8 hours before
• D. Drive home after the procedure

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that electroconvulsive therapy is done under anesthesia, so the stomach must be empty to reduce the risk of aspiration during induction. Being NPO for about 6–8 hours before the procedure minimizes the chance that stomach contents could be regurgitated and inhaled when the anesthesia is given.

Asking to withhold anesthesia would be unsafe because the procedure relies on anesthesia to allow a safe seizure with muscle relaxation. Eating a light meal immediately before would increase the aspiration risk during anesthesia, so that’s not appropriate. Driving home after the procedure is a post-procedure safety issue, since anesthesia can impair judgment and coordination, so you’d arrange for someone to drive you home rather than doing it yourself.