A 68-year-old man with a history of alcohol abuse is admitted to the acute care facility for reports of abdominal pain. Based on your understanding of alcohol withdrawal, the nurse knows that if patient is currently abusing alcohol, he will most likely.
develop withdrawal symptoms 48 to 72 hours after the last intake of alcohol
be prescribed oxazepam (Serax)
experience delirium tremors within 4 hours of hospitalization
receive 1 ounce of alcohol every 4 hours while awake
The Correct Answer is A
A. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically begin within 6 to 24 hours after the last drink, with peak symptoms usually occurring between 48 and 72 hours. Delirium tremens (DTs), a severe form of withdrawal, usually develops within this timeframe if not managed properly.
B. This choice is partially correct but less specific. Oxazepam (Serax) is a benzodiazepine that can be prescribed to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, especially in patients with liver impairment, as it is metabolized differently from other benzodiazepines. However, it is not the only medication used; lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium) are also commonly used to manage withdrawal symptoms.
C. This choice is less likely to be correct. Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal characterized by confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and autonomic instability. DTs typically develop between 48 and 72 hours after the last drink, not within 4 hours. Symptoms that occur within 4 hours of hospitalization are more likely to be early withdrawal symptoms rather than DTs.
D. This choice is not a standard treatment for alcohol withdrawal. While some facilities might use a tapering protocol to gradually reduce alcohol intake, in most cases, the goal is to manage withdrawal symptoms using medications rather than providing alcohol. The use of medication such as benzodiazepines is preferred to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Giving alcohol is not a standard or recommended approach for managing withdrawal in acute care settings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While controlling blood pressure is the primary goal of propranolol therapy, it doesn't directly address the medication's potential impact on quality of life.
B. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is commonly used to treat hypertension. Dizziness is a common side effect of this medication. Therefore, the best indicator of goal success regarding the drug's effect on the patient's quality of life is the absence of injuries related to dizziness. This indicates that the patient is able to manage the side effect and continue their daily activities safely.
C. If the patient experiences adverse drug reactions, it indicates that the medication is not being tolerated well and may need to be adjusted or discontinued.
D. While regular exercise is important for overall health, it doesn't directly address the specific goal of improving the patient's quality of life in relation to the medication.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. This question can provide some subjective data, but it is somewhat vague and open-ended. It may not elicit detailed information about specific changes or issues related to bowel health. The term "normal" can be interpreted differently by different individuals, leading to potentially ambiguous responses.
B.A This question is direct and focused on a specific issue—constipation. It is useful for identifying if the patient is experiencing problems with bowel movements, but it may not capture the full range of bowel health issues or provide insight into other aspects of bowel function such as frequency, consistency, or recent changes.
C. This question is effective in obtaining subjective data because it prompts the patient to consider and describe any recent changes in their bowel habits. Changes in bowel movements can be indicative of underlying health issues, and this question encourages the patient to provide specific information about any deviations from their usual pattern, such as increased or decreased frequency, consistency changes, or the presence of pain.
D. This question directly addresses the frequency of bowel movements, which is a key component of bowel health. It helps establish a baseline for normal bowel patterns for the individual. However, it does not address other aspects of bowel health such as consistency, difficulty, or recent changes.
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