What temporary sign should a psychiatric technician be alert for after a client receives electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

After a client receives electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), memory impairment is a commonly observed temporary side effect. ECT is often used to treat severe depression and certain other psychiatric conditions, and while it can be highly effective, it is known to affect cognitive functions, particularly memory. Patients may experience deficits in both short-term and long-term memory, particularly related to events that occurred shortly before or after the treatment.

This memory impairment is typically transient, meaning it may improve over time as the brain recovers from the procedure. Careful monitoring and supportive interventions can help manage these memory issues during the recovery period following ECT.

The other options, while they may occur in different contexts or also as effects of mental health conditions, are not as directly linked to ECT as memory impairment. For example, increased anxiety may be present in some patients prior to treatment but isn't a direct immediate consequence of ECT. Communication deficits are not a well-documented side effect of ECT, and heightened awareness is not typically associated with the aftermath of this treatment. Understanding these nuances helps ensure that care is appropriate and focused after ECT.