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. Older adults often present with atypical symptoms when they have respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. They may not always exhibit classic signs like a cough or significant difficulty breathing. Instead, symptoms might include confusion, changes in mental status, or subtle signs of respiratory distress. This explanation addresses the patient's daughter's concern by acknowledging that older adults can show different manifestations of illness compared to younger people.
B.A This response is misleading. Respiratory problems can develop at any stage of an infection, not only after the infection is well established. Pneumonia can sometimes present without obvious respiratory distress or symptoms, especially in older adults. It’s crucial to recognize that pneumonia can manifest in various ways and early intervention is important.
C. While it's true that older adults may experience decreased muscular strength, this response might be too specific and not fully address the broader issue. It's also possible that the patient has enough strength but is not showing the typical signs of infection. This response might oversimplify the situation and could be seen as dismissive of the patient's actual symptoms.
D. This response, while optimistic, is not entirely appropriate in this context. It might come off as minimizing the daughter's concerns and does not directly address why the patient might not exhibit typical symptoms of pneumonia. It’s important to acknowledge the atypical presentation rather than simply focusing on the timing of the diagnosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. controlling the interview by selecting the memories to be discussed: Guided reminiscence should be a collaborative process between the nurse and the patient. The nurse should facilitate the conversation and encourage the patient to share their own memories, rather than imposing specific topics.
B. Guided reminiscence is a therapeutic technique that involves helping individuals recall and reflect on past experiences. The goal is to promote positive emotions, improve cognitive function, and enhance a sense of well-being.
C. While it may be helpful to break up the reminiscence sessions into shorter intervals, the focus should be on creating a comfortable and supportive environment for the patient to share their memories.
D. While it may be helpful to prompt the patient to recall specific memories, the emphasis should be on allowing the patient to freely explore their own memories and experiences.
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