A nurse is admitting a client to the mental health unit.

Exhibits

The nurse is developing a plan of care for the client. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

(Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason:

Tremors are a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal and represent one of the body's physical responses to the lack of alcohol after a period of heavy drinking. These involuntary shaking movements typically occur in the hands but can affect other parts of the body.

Choice B reason:

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is not a typical symptom of alcohol withdrawal. In fact, hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is more commonly associated with alcohol withdrawal due to the depletion of glycogen stores in the liver.

Choice C reason:

Insomnia is another frequent symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Individuals often experience sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and experiencing restful sleep, as the body adjusts to the absence of alcohol.

Choice D reason:

Visual hallucinations can occur during alcohol withdrawal, particularly in severe cases known as delirium tremens. These hallucinations can be distressing and may include seeing objects, patterns, or figures that are not present.

Choice E reason:

Severe hypotension is not typically a direct symptom of alcohol withdrawal. While blood pressure may fluctuate during withdrawal, severe low blood pressure is not commonly reported and could indicate other medical issues.

Choice A Reason:

Exercising when feeling tense is an effective stress management technique. Physical activity helps to reduce stress hormones like cortisol and increases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Exercise can also improve sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, and provide a distraction from anxious thoughts.

Choice B Reason:

Fixing a pot of coffee when feeling anxious is the least effective stress management technique. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase anxiety levels, cause jitteriness, and disrupt sleep patterns. For individuals who are already feeling anxious, consuming caffeine can exacerbate their symptoms and make it harder to manage stress effectively.

Choice C Reason:

Praying when beginning to breathe fast is a beneficial stress management technique for many people. Prayer and other forms of spiritual practice can provide a sense of calm, reduce stress, and offer emotional support. It can also help individuals feel more connected and less isolated during stressful times.

Choice D Reason:

Journaling when finding it difficult to talk is an effective way to manage stress. Writing down thoughts and feelings can help individuals process their emotions, gain insights into their stressors, and find solutions to their problems. Journaling can also serve as a therapeutic outlet for expressing feelings that might be hard to verbalize.