Chapter 14: Substance Use and Addiction Disorders - Combined (Townsend)
A nursing instructor is teaching students about cirrhosis of the liver. Which of the following student statements about the complications of hepatic encephalopathy should indicate that further student teaching is needed? Select all that apply. A. A diet rich in protein will promote hepatic healing. B. This condition leads to a rise in serum ammonia, resulting in impaired mental functioning. C. In this condition, blood accumulates in the abdominal cavity. D. Neomycin and lactulose are used in the treatment of this condition. E. This condition is caused by the inability of the liver to convert ammonia to urea.
A. A diet rich in protein will promote hepatic healing. C. In this condition, blood accumulates in the abdominal cavity.
A client diagnosed with chronic alcohol use disorder is being discharged from an inpatient treatment facility after detoxification. Which client outcome related to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) would be most appropriate for a nurse to discuss with the client during discharge teaching? A. After discharge, the client will immediately attend 90 AA meetings in 90 days. B. After discharge, the client will rely on an AA sponsor to help control alcohol cravings. C. After discharge, the client will incorporate family in AA attendance. D. After discharge, the client will seek appropriate deterrent medications through AA.
A. After discharge, the client will immediately attend 90 AA meetings in 90 days. The most appropriate client outcome for the nurse to discuss during discharge teaching is attending 90 AA meetings in 90 days after discharge. AA is a major self-help organization for the treatment of alcoholism. It accepts alcoholism as an illness and promotes total abstinence as the only cure.
A client has a history of daily bourbon drinking for the past 6 months. He is brought to an emergency department by family, who report that his last drink was 1 hour ago. It is now 12 midnight. When should a nurse expect this client to exhibit withdrawal symptoms? A. Between 3 a.m. and 11 a.m. B. Shortly after a 24-hour period C. At the beginning of the third day D. Withdrawal is individualized and cannot be predicted.
A. Between 3 a.m. and 11 a.m. The nurse should expect that this client will begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms from alcohol between 3 a.m. and 11 a.m. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually occur within 4 to 12 hours of cessation or reduction in heavy and prolonged alcohol use.
A client is admitted for alcohol detoxification. During detoxification, which symptoms should the nurse expect to assess? A. Gross tremors, delirium, hyperactivity, and hypertension B. Disorientation, peripheral neuropathy, and hypotension C. Oculogyric crisis, amnesia, ataxia, and hypertension D. Hallucinations, fine tremors, confabulation, and orthostatic hypotension
A. Gross tremors, delirium, hyperactivity, and hypertension Withdrawal is defined as the physiological and mental readjustment that accompanies the discontinuation of an addictive substance. Symptoms can include gross tremors, delirium, hyperactivity, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, hallucinations, and seizures.
Which of the following nursing statements exemplify important insights that will promote effective intervention with clients diagnosed with substance use disorders? Select all that apply. A. I am easily manipulated and need to work on this prior to caring for these clients. B. Because of my fathers alcoholism, I need to examine my attitude toward these clients. C. Drinking is legal, so the diagnosis of substance use disorder is an infringement on client rights. D. Opiate addicts are typically uneducated, unrefined individuals who will need a lot of education and social skills training. E. I can fix clients diagnosed with substance use disorders as long as I truly care about them.
A. I am easily manipulated and need to work on this prior to caring for these clients. B. Because of my fathers alcoholism, I need to examine my attitude toward these clients. D. Opiate addicts are typically uneducated, unrefined individuals who will need a lot of education and social skills training.
1. What should be the priority nursing diagnosis for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal? A. Risk for injury R/T central nervous system stimulation B. Disturbed thought processes R/T tactile hallucinations C. Ineffective coping R/T powerlessness over alcohol use D. Ineffective denial R/T continued alcohol use despite negative consequences
A. Risk for injury R/T central nervous system stimulation The priority nursing diagnosis for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal should be risk for injury R/T central nervous system stimulation. Alcohol withdrawal may include the following symptoms: course tremors of hands, tongue, or eyelids; seizures; nausea or vomiting; malaise or weakness; tachycardia; sweating; elevated blood pressure; anxiety; depressed mood; hallucinations; headache; and insomnia.
A client diagnosed with depression and substance use disorder has an altered sleep pattern and demands that a psychiatrist prescribe a sedative. Which rationale explains why a nurse should encourage the client to first try nonpharmacological interventions? A. Sedative-hypnotics are potentially addictive and will lose their effectiveness due to tolerance. B. Sedative-hypnotics are expensive and have numerous side effects. C. Sedative-hypnotics interfere with necessary REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. D. Sedative-hypnotics are not as effective to promote sleep as antidepressant medications.
A. Sedative-hypnotics are potentially addictive and will lose their effectiveness due to tolerance. The nurse should recommend nonpharmacological interventions to this client because sedative-hypnotics are potentially addictive and will lose their effectiveness due to tolerance. The effects of central nervous system depressants are additive with one another and are capable of producing physiological and psychological dependence.
A lonely, depressed divorce has been self-medicating with cocaine for the past year. Which term should a nurse use to best describe this individuals situation? A. The individual is experiencing psychological addiction. B. The individual is experiencing physical addiction. C. The individual is experiencing substance addiction. D. The individual is experiencing social addiction.
A. The individual is experiencing psychological addiction. The nurse should use the term psychological addiction to best describe this clients situation. A client is considered to be psychologically addicted to a substance when there is an overwhelming desire to use a substance in order to produce pleasure or avoid discomfort.
A client is questioning the nurse about a newly prescribed medication, acamprosate calcium (Campral). Which is the most appropriate reply by the nurse? A. This medication will help you maintain your abstinence. B. This medication will cause uncomfortable symptoms if you combine it with alcohol. C. This medication will decrease the effect alcohol has on your body. D. This medication will lower your risk of experiencing a complicated withdrawal.
A. This medication will help you maintain your abstinence. Campral has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in clients diagnosed with alcohol dependence who are abstinent at treatment initiation.
A nurse is reviewing STAT laboratory data of a client presenting in the emergency department. At what minimum blood alcohol level should a nurse expect intoxication to occur? A. 50 mg/dL B. 100 mg/dL C. 250 mg/dL D. 300 mg/dL
B. 100 mg/dL The nurse should expect that 100 mg/dL is the minimum blood alcohol level at which intoxication occurs. Intoxication usually occurs between 100 and 200 mg/dL. Death has been reported at levels ranging from 400 to 700 mg/dL.
Which is the priority nursing intervention for a client admitted for acute alcohol intoxication? A. Darken the room to reduce stimuli in order to prevent seizures. B. Assess aggressive behaviors in order to intervene to prevent injury to self or others. C. Administer lorazepam (Ativan) to reduce the rebound effects on the central nervous system. D. Teach the negative effects of alcohol on the body.
B. Assess aggressive behaviors in order to intervene to prevent injury to self or others. Symptoms associated with the syndrome of alcohol intoxication include but are not limited to aggressiveness, impaired judgment, impaired attention, and irritability. Safety is a nursing priority in this situation.
A client with a history of heavy alcohol use is brought to an emergency department (ED) by family members who state that the client has had nothing to drink in the last 24 hours. Which client symptom should the nurse immediately report to the ED physician? A. Antecubital bruising B. Blood pressure of 180/100 mm Hg C. Mood rating of 2/10 on numeric scale D. Dehydration
B. Blood pressure of 180/100 mm Hg The nurse should recognize that high blood pressure is a symptom of alcohol withdrawal and should promptly report this finding to the physician. Complications associated with alcohol withdrawal may progress to alcohol withdrawal delirium and possible seizure activity on about the second or third day following cessation of prolonged alcohol consumption.
A nurse evaluates a clients patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump and notices 100 attempts within a 30-minute period. Which is the best rationale for assessing this client for substance use disorder? A. Narcotic pain medication is contraindicated for all clients with active substance-use problems. B. Clients who are regularly using alcohol or benzodiazepines may have developed cross-tolerance to analgesics and require increased doses to achieve effective pain control. C. There is no need to assess the client for substance use disorder. There is an obvious PCA malfunction. D. The client is experiencing symptoms of withdrawal and needs to be accurately assessed for lorazepam (Ativan) dosage.
B. Clients who are regularly using alcohol or benzodiazepines may have developed cross-tolerance to analgesics and require increased doses to achieve effective pain control. The nurse should assess the client for substance use disorder because clients who are regularly using alcohol or benzodiazepines may have developed cross-tolerance to analgesics and require increased doses to achieve effective pain control. Cross-tolerance occurs when one drug lessens the clients response to another drug.
In assessing a client with polysubstance abuse, the nurse should recognize that withdrawal from which substance may require a life-saving emergency intervention? A. Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) B. Diazepam (Valium) C. Morphine (Astramorph) D. Phencyclidine (PCP)
B. Diazepam (Valium) If large doses of a central nervous system (CNS) depressant (such as Valium) are repeatedly administered over a prolonged duration, a period of CNS hyperexcitability occurs on withdrawal of the drug. The response can be quite severe, even leading to convulsions and death.
A mother who has a history of chronic heroin use has lost custody of her children due to abuse and neglect. She has been admitted to an inpatient drug rehabilitation program. Which client statement should a nurse associate with a positive prognosis for this client? A. Im not going to use heroin ever again. I know Ive got the willpower to do it this time. B. I cannot control my use of heroin. It's stronger than I am. C. Im going to get all my children back. They need their mother. D. Once I deal with my childhood physical abuse, recovery should be easy.
B. I cannot control my use of heroin. It's stronger than I am. A positive prognosis is more likely when a client admits that he or she is addicted to a substance and has a loss of control. One of the first steps in the 12-step model for treatment is for the client to admit powerlessness over the substance.
A recovering alcoholic relapses and drinks a glass of wine. The client presents in the emergency department (ED) experiencing severe throbbing headache, tachycardia, flushed face, dyspnea, and continuous vomiting. What may these symptoms indicate to the ED nurse? A. Alcohol poisoning B. Cardiovascular accident (CVA) C. A reaction to disulfiram (Antabuse) D. A reaction to tannins in the red wine
C. A reaction to disulfiram (Antabuse) Ingestion of alcohol while disulfiram is in the body results in a syndrome of symptoms that can produce a good deal of discomfort for the individual. Symptoms may include flushed skin, throbbing in the head and neck, respiratory difficulty, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, confusion, hypotension, and tachycardia.
On the first day of a clients alcohol detoxification, which nursing intervention should take priority? A. Strongly encourage the client to attend 90 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in 90 days. B. Educate the client about the biopsychosocial consequences of alcohol abuse. C. Administer ordered chlordiazepoxide (Librium) in a dosage according to protocol. D. Administer vitamin B1 to prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
C. Administer ordered chlordiazepoxide (Librium) in a dosage according to protocol. The priority nursing intervention for this client should be to administer ordered chlordiazepoxide (Librium) in a dosage according to protocol. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) is a benzodiazepine and is often used for substitution therapy in alcohol withdrawal. Substitution therapy may be required to reduce life-threatening effects of the rebound stimulation of the central nervous system that occurs during withdrawal.
The nurse believes that a client being admitted for a surgical procedure may have a drinking problem. How should the nurse further evaluate this possibility? A. By asking directly if the client has ever had a problem with alcohol B. By holistically assessing the client, using the CIWA scale C. By using a screening tool such as the CAGE questionnaire D. By referring the client for physician evaluation
C. By using a screening tool such as the CAGE questionnaire The CAGE questionnaire is a screening tool used to determine whether the individual has a problem with alcohol. This questionnaire is composed of four simple questions. Scoring two or three yes answers strongly suggests a problem with alcohol.
A client with a history of insomnia has been taking chlordiazepoxide (Librium), 15 mg, at night for the past year. The client currently reports that this dose is no longer helping him fall asleep. Which nursing diagnosis appropriately documents this problem? A. Ineffective coping R/T unresolved anxiety AEB substance abuse B. Anxiety R/T poor sleep AEB difficulty falling asleep C. Disturbed sleep pattern R/T Librium tolerance AEB difficulty falling asleep D. Risk for injury R/T addiction to Librium
C. Disturbed sleep pattern R/T Librium tolerance AEB difficulty falling asleep Tolerance is defined as the need for increasingly larger or more frequent doses of a substance in order to obtain the desired effects originally produced by a lower dose.
Upon admission for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, a client states, I havent eaten in 3 days. Assessment reveals BP 170/100 mm Hg, P 110, R 28, and T 97F (36C) with dry skin, dry mucous membranes, and poor skin turgor. What should be the priority nursing diagnosis? A. Knowledge deficit B. Fluid volume excess C. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements D. Ineffective individual coping
C. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements The nurse should assess that the priority nursing diagnosis is imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements. The client is exhibiting signs and symptoms of malnutrition as well as alcohol withdrawal. The nurse should consult a dietitian, restrict sodium intake to minimize fluid retention, and provide small, frequent feedings of nonirritating foods.
A client diagnosed with alcohol use disorder joins a community 12-step program and states, My life is unmanageable. How should the nurse interpret this clients statement? A. The client is using minimization as an ego defense. B. The client is ready to sign an Alcoholics Anonymous contract for sobriety. C. The client has accomplished the first of 12 steps advocated by Alcoholics Anonymous. D. The client has met the requirements to be designated as an Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor.
C. The client has accomplished the first of 12 steps advocated by Alcoholics Anonymous. The first step of the 12-step program advocated by Alcoholics Anonymous is that clients must admit powerlessness over alcohol and that their lives have become unmanageable.
During group therapy, a client diagnosed with alcohol use disorder states, I would not have boozed it up if my wife hadnt been nagging me all the time to get a job. She never did think that I was good enough for her. How should a nurse interpret this statement? A. The client is using denial by avoiding responsibility. B. The client is using displacement by blaming his wife. C. The client is using rationalization to excuse his alcohol dependence. D. The client is using reaction formation by appealing to the group for sympathy.
C. The client is using rationalization to excuse his alcohol dependence. The nurse should interpret that the client is using rationalization to excuse his alcohol use disorder. Rationalization is the defense mechanism by which people avoid taking responsibility for their actions by making excuses for the behavior.
A clients wife has been making excuses for her alcoholic husbands work absences. In family therapy, she states, I just need to work harder to get him there on time. Which is the appropriate nursing response? A. Why do you assume responsibility for his behaviors? B. Codependency is a typical behavior of spouses of alcoholics. C. Your husband needs to deal with the consequences of his drinking. D. Do you understand what the term enabler means?
C. Your husband needs to deal with the consequences of his drinking. The appropriate nursing response is to use confrontation with caring. In Stage One (The Survival Stage) of recovery from codependency, the codependent person must begin to let go of the denial that problems exist or that his or her personal capabilities are unlimited.
Which medication orders should a nurse anticipate for a client who has a history of complicated withdrawal from benzodiazepines? A. Haloperidol (Haldol) and fluoxetine (Prozac) B. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) and donepezil (Aricept) C. Disulfiram (Antabuse) and lorazepam (Ativan) D. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and phenytoin (Dilantin)
D. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and phenytoin (Dilantin) The nurse should anticipate that a physician would order chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and phenytoin (Dilantin) for a client who has a history of complicated withdrawal from benzodiazepines. It is common for long-lasting benzodiazepines to be prescribed for substitution therapy. Phenytoin (Dilantin) is an anticonvulsant that would be indicated for a client who has experienced a complicated withdrawal. Complicated withdrawals may progress to seizure activity.
Which client statement indicates a knowledge deficit related to substance use? A. Although its legal, alcohol is one of the most widely abused drugs in our society. B. Tolerance to heroin develops quickly. C. Flashbacks from LSD use may reoccur spontaneously. D. Marijuana is like smoking cigarettes. Everyone does it. Its essentially harmless.
D. Marijuana is like smoking cigarettes. Everyone does it. It's essentially harmless. The nurse should determine that the client has a knowledge deficit related to substance use when the client compares marijuana to smoking cigarettes and claims it to be harmless. Both of these substances have potentially harmful effects. Cannabis is the second most widely abused drug in the United States.
A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed disulfiram (Antabuse) as a deterrent to alcohol relapse. Which information should the nurse include when teaching the client about this medication? A. Only oral ingestion of alcohol will cause a reaction when taking this drug. B. It is safe to drink beverages that have only 12% alcohol content. C. This medication will decrease your cravings for alcohol. D. Reactions to combining Antabuse with alcohol can occur for as long as 2 weeks after stopping the drug.
D. Reactions to combining Antabuse with alcohol can occur for as long as 2 weeks after stopping the drug. If Antabuse is discontinued, it is important for the client to understand that the sensitivity to alcohol may last for as long as 2 weeks.
Which term should a nurse use to describe the administration of a central nervous system (CNS) depressant during alcohol withdrawal? A. Antagonist therapy B. Deterrent therapy C. Codependency therapy D. Substitution therapy
D. Substitution therapy A CNS depressant such as Ativan is used during alcohol withdrawal as substitution therapy to prevent life-threatening symptoms that occur because of the rebound reaction of the central nervous system.
Which client statement demonstrates positive progress toward recovery from a substance use disorder? A. I have completed detox and therefore am in control of my drug use. B. I will faithfully attend Narcotic Anonymous (NA) when I cant control my cravings. C. As a church deacon, my focus will now be on spiritual renewal. D. Taking those pills got out of control. It cost me my job, marriage, and children.
D. Taking those pills got out of control. It cost me my job, marriage, and children. A client who takes responsibility for the consequences of substance use is making positive progress toward recovery. This client would most likely be in the working phase of the counseling process, in which he or she accepts the fact that substance use causes problems.
A nurse is interviewing a client in an outpatient drug treatment clinic. To promote success in the recovery process, which outcome should the nurse expect the client to initially accomplish? A. The client will identify one person to turn to for support. B. The client will give up all old drinking buddies. C. The client will be able to verbalize the effects of alcohol on the body. D. The client will correlate life problems with alcohol use.
D. The client will correlate life problems with alcohol use. To promote the recovery process the nurse should expect that the client would initially correlate life problems with alcohol use. Acceptance of the problem is the first step of the recovery process.
A nurse holds the hand of a client who is withdrawing from alcohol. What is the nurses rationale for this intervention? A. To assess for emotional strength B. To assess for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome C. To assess for tachycardia D. To assess for fine tremors
D. To assess for fine tremors The nurse is most likely assessing the client for fine tremors secondary to alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal from alcohol can also cause headache, insomnia, transient hallucinations, depression, irritability, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, sweating, tachycardia, malaise, coarse tremors, and seizure activity.
Which question is most appropriate when assessing a patient who is exhibiting symptoms of a systemic infection including a fever of unknown origin? a. Are you an intravenous drug user? b. Have you been told that you drink too much alcohol? c. Have you been diagnosed with an acute bacterial infection before? d. Are you familiar with an infection of the heart called endocarditis?
a. Are you an intravenous drug user? Intravenous drug users are at risk for subacute bacterial endocarditis and other circulatory compromise created by foreign substances introduced during the process of intravenous use. Regardless of the setting, nurses need to ask about intravenous drug use whenever a patient presents with fever of unexplained origin. Assessing the patients knowledge related to bacterial infections and endocarditis will not address the possible cause of the fever. Alcohol consumption is not relevant in this situation.
Which group would be the target population for educational material on the dangers of binge drinking? a. Full-time college students b. Blue-collared young adults c. Older widows and widowers d. High school juniors and seniors
a. Full-time college students The highest prevalence of binge and heavy drinking is among young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years, with the majority being full-time college students.
Which protocol should guide the nurse responsible for administering pharmacologic interventions for a patient who is experiencing alcohol intoxication? a. Medication interventions are based on the presence of withdrawal symptoms. b. Medications are prescribed at appropriate intervals for at least one full week. c. Symptoms are managed with medications for only the initial 24 hours of hospitalization. d. Medications are introduced to treat grand mal seizures that may accompany withdrawal symptoms.
a. Medication interventions are based on the presence of withdrawal symptoms. The course of intoxication is usually self-limiting to approximately 24 hours, after which withdrawal symptoms can occur for a time period unique to each patient. Treatment is directed by the symptoms the patient is experiencing, which generally emerge during the withdrawal stage. Seizures are among several serious symptoms that can occur during the withdrawal stage.
Which nursing intervention best demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between confirmed intravenous drug abuse and specific infections? a. Screening the patient for hepatitis B virus (HBV) b. Assessing the patient for potentially infected injection sites c. Determining if the patient has ever been tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) d. Evaluating the patient's understanding of the increased risk for developing sexually transmitted diseases
a. Screening the patient for hepatitis B virus (HBV) Injecting drug users have one of the highest HBV rates among all risk groups and account for at least half of all new HCV cases, so screening for such infections demonstrates that the nurse understands the severity of the problem. Although the other options reflect potential infection risks, they are not as commonly seen in patients with this diagnosis.
When asked, What causes alcoholism? the nurses response will be based on the fact that: a. The response to alcohol is a result of a brain-based disorder. b. Alcoholism is believed to be an allergic response to the alcohol. c. Every individual has the same susceptibility for developing alcoholism. d. It is a physical response to alcohol but its etiology is not fully understood.
a. The response to alcohol is a result of a brain-based disorder.
A patient's wife has chronic alcoholism, and the husband is concerned about the possibility that their children may develop the disease. He asks the nurse what the risk is. The nurses best response is: a. The risk for developing alcoholism is increased if there is a family history of alcoholism. b. Studies have confirmed that individuals with dependent personality traits are at high risk for this disease. c. Cultures that include alcohol as part of the ritualized behavior have a higher rate of alcoholism. d. Twin studies have indicated that the environment of a person is more important than the biologic influences of parents.
a. The risk for developing alcoholism is increased if there is a family history of alcoholism. Problems with alcohol increase with the number of relatives with alcoholism. No unique personality profile is prone to addiction. Ritualized use of alcohol does not predispose to alcoholism and twin studies indicate a significant genetic contribution to susceptibility to alcoholism.
A substance use disorder (SUD) is a likely comorbid mental illness in which patient? a. The soldier diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder b. The teenager demonstrating symptoms of poor impulse control c. The older adult diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's disease d. The new mother exhibiting symptoms of postpartum depression
a. The soldier diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder Posttraumatic stress disorder creates a risk for substance use or relapse. A total of 30% to 60% of persons with SUDs meet the criteria for comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder. The remaining options have not shown such a prevalence of comorbid relationship with SUDs.
Which sociological aspect, vital to relapse prevention, is greatly affected when a patient is found to have a dual diagnosis of psychosis and alcoholism? a. Ability to afford the cost of outpatient services b. A supportive, reliable, accessible support system c. Protection from both physical and emotional abuse d. Access to reasonable housing and employment opportunities
b. A supportive, reliable, accessible support system Often individuals with this type of diagnosis have lost their support systems as a result of chronic mistreatment of their family and friends and an inability to maintain and recognize the importance of this aspect to their treatment plan. Although the remaining options impact relapse prevention, they are generally available when the patient is being supported appropriately.
Which observation best supports the patients success with achieving long-term sobriety? a. Asking a family member to, get rid of all the alcohol before I come home b. Identifying all the problems alcoholism has caused the family over the years c. Being able to discuss the importance of attending a support group for alcoholics d. Promising to, stop the drinking so I can be a good parent and raise a good child
b. Identifying all the problems alcoholism has caused the family over the years One of the most prominent factors that leads an individual to recovery is the patients recognition that substance use has caused or influenced his or her life's problems and interrupted his or her functioning. The remaining options lack that element of self-reflection.
Which nursing intervention demonstrates an understanding regarding the primary form of substance use disorder among older adults? a. Assessing the patient's hands and feet for the presence of both numbness and tingling b. Having the patient, describe your relationship with you adult children, co-workers, and friends. c. Asking, Please identify for me all the medications both prescribed and over the counter you regularly take. d. Evaluate the patient's understanding of the possible health risks that alcohol and medication abuse has on one's health
c. Asking, Please identify for me all the medications both prescribed and over the counter you regularly take. Misuse of prescription medications is the most common form of drug abuse among older adults. This population is especially vulnerable because of the multiple drugs that are often prescribed for medical conditions. The remaining options do not help identify the presence of multiple medications.
If an individual is admitted with a diagnosis of Wernicke-Korsakoffs syndrome, the nurse would expect to assess: a. Peptic ulcer b. Vivid illusions c. Cognitive deficits d. Auditory hallucinations
c. Cognitive deficits Wernicke-Korsakoffs syndrome includes a severe form of amnesia and an inability to learn new skills which reflects a cognitive impairment. The other options are not associated with the syndrome.
Which assessment data poses the greatest risk for injury in a patient who abuses alcohol? a. Takes a baby aspirin each morning b. Uses over-the-counter antihistamines for seasonal allergies c. Has been taking a tricyclic antidepressant for more than 2 years d. Took a narcotic for 1 week to manage post dental surgery pain
c. Has been taking a tricyclic antidepressant for more than 2 years Tricyclic antidepressants are strictly contraindicated with alcohol consumption because of their potential effect on cardiac function. Although aspirin increases bleeding times and antihistamines and narcotics increase sedation, the outcome of combining alcohol and these drugs is not as dangerous as that of the correct option.
Which patient response would support the conclusion that the patient has moved into the dark side of a narcotic addition? a. I've been abusing drugs for at least 10 years. b. Drugs makes me feel good; that why I use them. c. I don't like the way I feel when I don't use drugs. d. Drugs are something that I can either take or leave
c. I don't like the way I feel when I don't use drugs. During beginning use (the light side), the feel good effects are dominant. As the individual becomes habituated to the drug, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms develop; this constitutes the dark side. The remaining options do not describe effects of drug use.
A patient recently discharged from an alcohol rehabilitation program is brought to the hospital in a state of prostration with severe throbbing headache, tachycardia, a beet-red face, dyspnea, and continuous vomiting. The patients significant other states the patient got sick about 15 minutes after drinking a glass of wine. The nurse should be guided in assessment by the suspicion that the patient: a. Is having a stroke b. Has alcohol intoxication c. Is reacting to disulfiram (Antabuse) d. Is exhibiting symptoms of cross-dependence
c. Is reacting to disulfiram (Antabuse) The alcohol deterrent drug, Antabuse, commonly prescribed in recovering alcoholic treatment, causes this reaction when taken in combination with alcohol. Alcohol intoxication, stroke, and cross-dependence do not present with the listed prostration symptoms.
Which assessment data would bring into question a patient's statement that, I have only a few drinks on special occasions.? a. History of treatment for glaucoma b. Fasting serum blood glucose level of 182 mg/dL c. Patient reports numbness in hands and feet bilaterally d. Red rash observed over neck, shoulders, and upper chest
c. Patient reports numbness in hands and feet bilaterally Peripheral nerve deterioration in both hands and feet result from chronic alcohol intake. Peripheral neuropathy occurs in about 10% of alcoholics after years of heavy drinking causing the nurse to question the patients statement. The remaining options do not reflect symptomology generally associated with alcoholism.
Which assessment demonstrates the nurses understanding of the relationship between substance abuse and the development of symptoms characteristic of delirium? a. Determining the patients age and gender b. Evaluating the patients food and fluid intake over the last 48 hours c. Observing the patient for fine tremors of the hands, especially the fingers d. Determining the amount of caffeine the patient ingested in the last 24 hours
d. Determining the amount of caffeine the patient ingested in the last 24 hours Some people who ingest large amounts of caffeine develop delirium. The remaining options are not relevant to caffeine ingestion or the abuse of any other substance.
Which principle of recovery is the basis of the nurses response when a patient relapses and is hospitalized for alcohol detox treatment? a. Alcoholism requires a lifelong commitment to control. b. Most people who are serious about treatment achieve sobriety. c. Relapsing is an expected occurrence for the patient diagnosed with alcohol abuse. d. Rehabilitation generally involves several relapses before true sobriety is achieved.
d. Rehabilitation generally involves several relapses before true sobriety is achieved. Sobriety is the goal of complete abstention from drugs, alcohol, and addictive behaviors. Sobriety often involves several attempts, and many patients relapse 9 or 10 times before achieving and sustaining sobriety. This information is the basis for the physical and emotional support provided by the nurse. Although citing that a relapse is not a failure but an expected part of the recovery process, this option does not include the needed information of the frequency of the possible relapses. The remaining options are not focused on relapsing.
Which intervention has priority when a nurse suspects a staff member of providing patient care while being impaired by alcohol or drugs? a. Asking the staff member to explain their suspicious behavior b. Adjust the staff members assignment to minimize patient contact c. Providing the staff member with material regarding alcohol abuse and treatment d. Reporting the staff members suspicious behavior to the nursing supervisor on duty
d. Reporting the staff members suspicious behavior to the nursing supervisor on duty It is a professional obligation to report suspected impaired practice. The remaining options do not have prior in this situation since the concern is patient safety.
Which observation seen in a teenage patient supports the suspicion of anabolic steroid abuse? a. Lack of facial hair b. Ritualized hand washing c. Stealing and hiding a magazine belonging to another patient d. Throwing a chair when told it was time to turn off the television
d. Throwing a chair when told it was time to turn off the television For all individuals abusing anabolic steroids, extreme mood swings occur, and these may be accompanied by violent behaviors. Obsessive-compulsive behaviors and stealing are not generally associated with this disorder. The increased hormone presence would result not in a lack, but rather an increase, in facial hair.
Which social factor has the greatest impact on the changing nature of alcohol abuse treatment? a. Development of new pharmaceutical treatment options b. Dramatic increase of alcoholism among young adult males c. Raising cost of both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs d. Women's substance abuse only recently acknowledge by society
d. Women's substance abuse only recently acknowledge by society The existence of an alcohol abuse problem among women has only been recently recognized and this has dramatically affected treatments and services being provided. Although the other options are true, they do not have the impact on treatment modalities as much as the correct option.
