Substance Abuse Prep-U

The nurse is caring for a client who began drinking a six-pack of beer every day in freshman year of college. By sophomore year, the client was drinking two six-packs to get the same effect. After educating the client on the chronic use of alcohol, the nurse determines education has been effective when the client makes which statement describing this phenomena?

"I developed a tolerance to alcohol over this period of time"

The nurse is teaching a client admitted with acute alcohol withdrawal about medications used to prevent complications during the withdrawal from alcohol. The nurse recognizes that teaching has been effective when the client makes which statement?

"I will be given a benzodiapine over several days as a substitution for alcohol"

Disulfiram should not be administered until a client has abstained from alcohol for at least how long?

12 hours

In a person who abuses alcohol or is a chronic drinker, alcohol withdrawal syndrome usually begins within which time frame from abrupt discontinuation or an attempt to decrease consumption?

12 hours

The body can metabolize how much beer per hour without intoxication?

12 oz

An unconscious client is admitted to the emergency department after a motor vehicle accident. The client's blood alcohol level upon admission was .17. The client's family soon arrives, reporting that the client is an extended family member who is visiting from out of town. They cannot give much more history other than that the client is a "social drinker." After being transported to the unit, the client starts sweating and has elevated vital signs. What information should the nurse request of the family?

Are there other indications that the client may be a heavy drinker?

Safe alcohol withdrawal usually is accomplished with the administration of which medication classification?

Benzodiazepines

When interviewing the family members of a client being treated for substance abuse problems, which behavior would alert the nurse to the possibility of codependency?

Blaming themselves for the client's problems

The nurse is caring for an adult client that has been admitted to the detoxification unit. Due to acute withdrawal, what cues will the nurse likely assess?

Flushed face, headache, and tremors

A client has a blood alcohol level of 0.05%. The nurse would expect which behavior to occur?

Impaired judgment

Which of the following is the best description of the term substance use disorders, according to the American Psychiatric Association?

Is an umbrella term for substance abuse and substance dependence

Safety is the nursing priority for a client who is at risk for alcohol withdrawal. A care plan for the client who is in withdrawal must include which nursing interventions?

Observation for symptoms, vital signs, seizure and fall precautions, medications as ordered

The nurse is observing a coworker that is exhibiting some questionable behavior. Which are general warning signs of substance abuse that a nurse should be alert for in coworkers? Select all that apply.

Poor work performance. Frequent absenteeism. Unusual behavior. Slurred speech. Isolation from peers.

A client who is abusing substances is to undergo brief intervention. The nurse understands that this technique is most effective for a client who exhibits which symptoms?

Short history of drug use

Which neurochemical influences is a probable cause of substance abuse?

Stimulation of dopamine pathways in the brain

Which factor would contraindicate the use of disulfiram in the treatment of a client who has an alcohol use disorder?

The client had six drinks a few hours ago

A client with opioid addiction is prescribed methadone maintenance therapy. When explaining this treatment to the client, which of the following would the nurse need to keep in mind?

The drug helps to satisfy the craving for the opioid

A nurse is conducting a class for a group of high school students about marijuana use and abuse. The nurse determines that the class needs further discussion when they state which of the following?

Users of marijuana always experience relaxation and euphoria

The nurse in an outpatient rehabilitation program is speaking with a group of clients who have recently recovered from alcohol abuse. Which issue should the nurse raise before the clients leave for the day?

Help them to identify appropriate diversional acitivities

Which characteristic of the 12-step program distinguishes it from other programs?

It is a self-help group that focuses on total abstinence

The nurse is conducting a health promotion class on drug awareness with a group of junior high school students. Which of the following teaching points should the nurse include in this session?

"Marijuana use can result in psychological dependence, which can have a very negative effect on your life"

The nurse is interviewing family members of a client being treated for substance use disorder. Which statement by a family member would alert the nurse to the possibility of codependency?

"My sibling would not drink as much if their spouse was more understanding"

A client with alcohol abuse is to receive disulfiram. The client's last drink was at 4 PM. The client should receive the medication no earlier than at which time?

4 AM

A client's history reveals that he continues to use cocaine despite the negative consequences. The nurse identifies this as which of the following?

Addiction

The mental health nurse is preparing a presentation about prescription drug abuse to a local community group. When describing the incidence, which age group would the nurse identify as experiencing an increase?

Adolescents

A client with a history of heavy alcohol use, whose last drink was 24 hours ago, is seen in the emergency department. The client is oriented but is tremulous, weak, and sweaty and has some gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The nurse recognizes these symptoms as typical of which of the following?

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome

A client is being treated on the inpatient unit for alcoholism. Disulfiram (Antabuse) has been prescribed for a client receiving treatment for alcoholism. Which of the following should be included in the client's plan of care?

Avoid all products containing alcohol

Which conditon will a child born with fetal alcohol syndrome most likely exhibit?

Brain damage

A client is brought to the emergency department by law enforcement after suspicion of driving under the influence. A blood alcohol level is drawn and is found to be 0.10 mg%. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess?

Difficulty coordinating movements

A client is being treated for alcoholism. Which of the following medications is used to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

Lorazepam (Ativan)

While at a nightclub, an adolescent male consumed a pill handed to him by a friend. His friends brought him to the emergency room after he collapsed at the club. When the nurse takes his temperature, a reading of 105°F is obtained. The pill was most likely which of the following?

MDMA (ecstacy)

A client is admitted to the detoxification unit on Sunday evening. The client discloses that the client's last alcoholic drink was just before the client was admitted to the unit. When can the nurse expect that the client's alcohol withdrawal symptoms will begin?

Monday morning

A client with a history of alcohol use disorder has presented to the emergency department with hallucinations and relays being followed by the police. Which action will the nurse take given this information?

Monitor for Korsakoff syndrome from long-term effects of alcohol use.

A nurse is preparing an educational session for family members affected by substance abuse. Which point should the nurse include in the session? Select all that apply.

Substance abuse is an illness like any other. An individual with substance abuse issues typically cannot use drugs socially.

The nurse is talking with the friend of a client with alcoholism. The friend tells the nurse that the friend's relationship with the client was codependent and enabling. Which behavior identified does the nurse correlate with codependent behavior?

The friend called the client every night to make sure the client got home safely and looks for the client if not at home.

A client is readmitted to the detox unit for the fourth time in 3 years. The nurse states in the morning report, "Not again! Why should we keep trying to help them? They obviously don't want it." Which statement is reflective of the nurse?

The nurse lacks the self-awareness to work effectively with this addicted client

A client has been admitted to the inpatient unit after using inhalants recently. Which of the following is an antidote to treat inhalant toxicity?

There is no antidote

Wernick-Korsakoff syndrome is a neurologic condition that can result from heavy drinking. Which of the following medications is used to prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

Thiamine (vitamin B1)

Which medication is used to prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

Thiamine (vitamin B1)

A client with chronic alcoholism has been found to have Wernicke encephalopathy. This irreversible complication is characterized by what?

Thiamine, or vitamin B1 deficiency

A client is admitted to the emergency department for intoxication with alcohol. The client has an unsteady gait, myopathy, and neuropathy and cannot remember past or recent events. When treated with thiamine, the client's symptoms greatly improve. Which condition was the client likely experiencing?

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome