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 A
Explanation
A. Observing the patient eat a meal that he or she has prepared provides the nurse with direct, objective information about the patient's nutritional intake. This can help the nurse assess the patient's food choices, portion sizes, and overall dietary habits.
B. While this can be helpful in educating the patient about nutrition, it does not provide direct information about the patient's actual dietary habits.
C. This can provide some insight into the patient's dietary habits, but it may not be a complete picture, as the patient may not eat everything they have on hand.
D. This can provide some information about the patient's dietary intake, but it may be difficult for the patient to recall everything they ate, especially if their memory is impaired.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. This action demonstrates a willingness to understand and respect the patient’s cultural beliefs. By asking for more details, the nurse shows interest in the patient's perspective and opens a dialogue to better understand the cultural context of their health beliefs.
B. This action involves the nurse taking the initiative to understand the cultural practices and dietary beliefs of the patient. By researching these beliefs, the nurse can gain insight into how the patient's culture views dietary management and how it might be integrated into their overall care. However, while researching is valuable, it does not directly engage with the patient’s beliefs or preferences in a clinical context.
C. By discussing how to incorporate the patient’s dietary preferences into their treatment plan, the nurse is showing respect for the patient's cultural beliefs while still working within the medical framework. This approach helps to integrate the patient’s cultural practices with conventional medical treatment, fostering a collaborative approach to care.
D. This action is also a good example of cultural accommodation. By involving a registered nutritionist, the nurse is providing the patient with professional guidance that aligns with their cultural beliefs about dietary management. This approach respects the patient’s preferences and provides expert advice on how to incorporate those preferences into a medically sound treatment plan.
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