A client who is an alcoholic receives a prescription for disulfiram 500 mg by mouth (PO) daily. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this client?
Take the medication with at least 8 ounces (240 mL) of water and limit alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
Begin taking the medication immediately and take it daily, regardless of whether or not you drink alcohol.
Take the medication at bedtime and avoid consuming any more than one ounce of alcohol daily.
Take the medication each morning beginning 48 hours after your last drink of alcohol.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Take the medication with at least 8 ounces (240 mL) of water and limit alcohol consumption while taking this medication is incorrect. Alcohol must be completely avoided while taking disulfiram, as even small amounts can cause a severe reaction (e.g., nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing, hypotension).
B. Begin taking the medication immediately and take it daily, regardless of whether or not you drink alcohol is incorrect. Disulfiram should not be started until at least 12–48 hours after the last drink to prevent an acute reaction.
C. Take the medication at bedtime and avoid consuming any more than one ounce of alcohol daily is incorrect. Alcohol must be strictly avoided in any amount.
D. Take the medication each morning beginning 48 hours after your last drink of alcohol is correct. Disulfiram should be initiated at least 12–48 hours after the last alcohol consumption to prevent adverse reactions. The medication is usually taken in the morning to promote adherence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Compulsive, ritualistic behaviors might be seen in other psychiatric conditions but are not specifically characteristic of schizophrenia.
B. Responding with illogical answers to questions is a common symptom of schizophrenia, specifically disorganized thinking or speech.
C. Frequent thoughts of committing suicide might occur in various psychiatric conditions but are not specific to schizophrenia.
D. Describing times of depression followed by feelings of euphoria is more characteristic of bipolar disorder, not schizophrenia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Familial history of mental illness is important but might not directly impact the initiation of sertraline treatment.
B. Medication history is the most important information to obtain before starting sertraline. This includes any current medications the client is taking, especially other antidepressants, anticoagulants, or medications that may interact with sertraline. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and it can interact with other medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or other serotonergic drugs, leading to serious side effects like serotonin syndrome.
C. While current weight may be important for monitoring side effects such as weight gain, it is not as immediately critical as understanding the client’s medication history, particularly regarding potential drug interactions.
D. A history of heart disease is relevant to the overall health assessment, but sertraline is generally considered safe for most individuals with heart disease. However, the medication history is more crucial because of potential drug interactions.
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