A nurse is admitting a patient to the medical unit who has a history of alcohol use disorder. The nurse should be aware of which of the following potential long-term physiological effects on the patient's body? (Select all that apply)
Cirrhosis
Heightened awareness
Gastritis
Brain damage
Esophageal varices
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
Choice A reason:
Cirrhosis is a severe scarring of the liver and poor liver function seen at the terminal stages of chronic liver disease. It is one of the primary long-term effects of alcohol use disorder, as the liver is the main organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation, liver cell death, and eventually cirrhosis, which significantly impairs the liver's ability to function properly.
Choice B reason:
Heightened awareness is not typically a long-term physiological effect of alcohol use disorder. In fact, chronic alcohol use is more likely to dull cognitive functions and reduce awareness due to its depressive effects on the central nervous system.
Choice C reason:
Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, is another potential long-term effect of alcohol use disorder. Alcohol can irritate and erode the gastric mucosa, leading to gastritis, which may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Choice D reason:
Brain damage is a serious long-term effect of alcohol use disorder. Alcohol can cause changes in the brain, leading to problems with cognition, memory, and motor skills. Chronic exposure to alcohol can result in brain shrinkage and the development of conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Choice E reason:
Esophageal varices are enlarged veins in the esophagus that can occur as a result of portal hypertension, often due to cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcohol use disorder. They are a significant risk because they can rupture and lead to life-threatening bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Eating foods high in tyramine is not a risk factor for lithium toxicity. Tyramine is associated with dietary restrictions in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, not lithium.
Choice B reason:
Engaging in activities that cause excessive sweating, such as running 4 miles outdoors every afternoon, can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is a significant risk factor for lithium toxicity because it can increase lithium levels in the blood, potentially leading to toxicity.
Choice C reason:
Drinking 2 liters of liquids daily is generally recommended for hydration and is not a risk factor for lithium toxicity. Adequate hydration can help prevent lithium toxicity by ensuring that lithium is properly excreted through the kidneys.
Choice D reason:
Eating 2 to 3 grams of sodium-containing foods daily is within normal dietary intake ranges and is not a risk factor for lithium toxicity. Maintaining a consistent sodium intake is important when taking lithium, as low sodium levels can lead to increased lithium retention and potential toxicity.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Aspirin is not used to reverse the effects of opioids. It is an anti-inflammatory drug that can reduce pain and fever, but it does not have the capability to counteract opioid effects.
Choice B reason: Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. It does not have the properties to reverse opioid overdoses and is not an antidote for opioids.
Choice C reason: Naloxone is the correct medication to reverse the effects of opioids. It is an opioid antagonist that can quickly restore normal breathing in a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. Naloxone binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids.
Choice D reason: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Like aspirin and acetaminophen, it does not reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
In conclusion, naloxone is the medication that is used to reverse the effects of opioids in the case of an overdose. It is a critical drug in emergency situations involving opioids and can save lives by reversing life-threatening respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose. Healthcare providers should be prepared to administer naloxone and provide appropriate follow-up care after its use.
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