substance abuse nclex questions
A client has received chlordiazepoxide (Librium) to control the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. The chlordiazepoxide has been ordered as needed. The nurse assesses the client and determines an additional dose of medication is needed when the client displays which symptoms? Select all that apply. 1. Tachycardia 2. Mood swings 3. Elevated blood pressure and temperature 4. Piloerection 5. Tremors 6. Increasing anxiety
1, 3, 5, and 6. Benzodiazepines are usually administered based on elevations in heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature as well as on the presence of tremors and increasing anxiety. Mood swings are expected during the withdrawal period and are not an indication for further medication administration. Piloerection is not a symptom of alcohol withdrawal.
A client is receiving chlordiazepoxide (Librium) as needed for signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. The nurse assesses the client and determines the need for medication when the client displays: 1. mild tremors, hypertension, tachycardia. 2. bradycardia, hyperthermia, sedation. 3. hypotension, decreased reflexes, drowsiness. 4. hypothermia, mild tremors, slurred speech.
1. Chlordiazepoxide is given during alcohol withdrawal. Symptoms that indicate a need for this drug include tremors, hypertension, tachycardia, and elevated body temperature. Bradycardia, sedation, hypotension, decreased reflexes, hypothermia, and slurred speech aren't symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Lisko, Susan (2013-10-01). NCLEX-RN Questions and Answers Made Incredibly Easy (Nclexrn Questions & Answers Made Incredibly Easy) (Kindle Locations 15891-15893). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Kindle Edition.
The family of a client in rehabilitation following heroin withdrawal asks a nurse why the client is receiving naltrexone (ReVia). What is the best response by the nurse? 1. To help reverse withdrawal symptoms 2. To keep the client sedated during withdrawal 3. To take the place of detoxification with methadone 4. To decrease the client's memory of the withdrawal experience
1. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist and helps the client stay drug free. Keeping the client sedated during withdrawal isn't the reason for giving this drug. The drug doesn't decrease the client's memory of the withdrawal experience and isn't used in place of detoxification with methadone.
A client who is withdrawing from alcohol is being given lorazepam (Ativan). The client's family asks the nurse about the medication. What is the best response by the nurse? 1. " Short-term use of lorazepam can lead to dependence." 2. " The lorazepam will reduce the symptoms of withdrawal." 3. " The lorazepam will make him forget about symptoms of withdrawal." 4. " The lorazepam will also help with his heart disease."
2. Lorazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine usually given for 1 week to help the client in alcohol withdrawal. Long-term (not short-term) use of lorazepam can lead to dependence. The medication isn't given to help forget the experience; it lessens the symptoms of withdrawal. It isn't used to treat coexisting cardiovascular problems.
A client with an alcohol addiction requests a prescription for disulfiram (Antabuse). To determine the client's ability to take the drug appropriately, the nurse should assess which of the following? 1. Whether the client will take a prescription drug 2. Whether the client's family accepts the use of this treatment strategy 3. Whether the client is willing to follow the necessary dietary restrictions 4. Whether the client is motivated to stay sober
4. A client with a strong craving for alcohol (and a lack of impulse control) isn't a good candidate for disulfiram therapy. Disulfiram is a prescription drug. Accepting the treatment strategy is a decision that the client and health care provider make; although family input may be welcome, family members don't make the final decision. Significant dietary restrictions aren't necessary during disulfiram therapy (except for alcohol and foods prepared or cooked in it).
Which of the following drugs is considered a central nervous system (CNS) depressant? Possible Answers: a. All of these b. Cyclobenzaprine c.Marijuana d. Atenolol
ANS: A All of these All of the drugs listed are considered to be CNS depressants. While generally classified as a psychedelic, marijuana has multiple central depressant effects such as sedation and muscle relaxation. Also, alcohol is another commonly used depressant.
A patient undergoing alcohol rehabilitation decides to begin disulfiram (Antabuse) therapy. Patient teaching should include the need to: (select all that apply) a. avoid aged cheeses. b. avoid alcohol-based skin products. c. read labels of all liquid medications. d. wear sunscreen and avoid bright sunlight. e. maintain an adequate dietary intake of sodium. f. avoid breathing fumes of paints, stains, and stripping compounds.
ANS: B, C, F The patient must avoid hidden sources of alcohol. Many liquid medications, such as cough syrups, contain small amounts of alcohol that could trigger an alcohol-disulfiram reaction. Using alcohol-based skin products such as aftershave or cologne, smelling alcohol-laden fumes, and eating foods prepared with wine, brandy, or beer may also trigger reactions. The other options do not relate to hidden sources of alcohol.
Which medication to maintain abstinence would most likely be prescribed for patients with an addiction to either alcohol or opioids? a. Bromocriptine (Parlodel) b. Disulfiram (Antabuse) c. Methadone (Dolophine) d. Naltrexone (ReVia)
ANS: D Naltrexone (ReVia) is useful for treating both opioid and alcohol addiction. An opioid antagonist blocks the action of opioids and the mechanism of reinforcement. It also reduces or eliminates alcohol craving.
What is substance abuse?
THE HABITUAL USE OF A SUBSTANCE THAT FALLS OUTSIDE OF MEDICAL NECESSITY OR SOCIAL ACCEPTANC AND IS USED FOR THE SINGLE PURPOSE OF ALTERING ONES MOOD, EMOTION, OR STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS.
What is addiction?
compulsive drug craving and use, despite adverse consequences