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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Isolate the client for a period of time.
Isolation can lead to increased anxiety and may not be beneficial for a client with OCD. It does not address the underlying issue of the compulsive behaviors and may even exacerbate them.
Choice B: Plan the client's schedule to allow time for rituals.
This is generally the most effective approach. By allowing time for rituals, the nurse acknowledges the client's need for these behaviors and reduces anxiety. Over time, the goal would be to gradually reduce the time spent on these rituals as the client develops more effective coping strategies.
Choice C: Set strict limits on the behaviors so that the client can conform to the unit rules and schedules.
While it's important to have a structured environment, setting strict limits on compulsive behaviors can increase anxiety and resistance. It's more beneficial to work with the client to gradually decrease these behaviors rather than attempting to stop them abruptly.
Choice D: Confront the client about the senseless nature of the repetitive behaviors.
Confrontation is not typically helpful for clients with OCD. These clients are usually well aware that their behaviors are irrational, but they feel compelled to perform them anyway. Confrontation can lead to increased anxiety and defensiveness.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
When a client expresses thoughts of wanting to end their life, it is crucial for the nurse to immediately assess the risk of suicide. Asking the client if they have a plan to commit suicide is a direct approach to gauge the immediacy and seriousness of the risk. This information is vital for determining the next steps in care, which may include close supervision, safety precautions, and urgent psychiatric evaluation.
Choice B reason:
While ensuring the client is comfortable is important, allowing the client to rest without further assessment or intervention may not be safe if the client is at immediate risk of self-harm. The priority is to assess and secure the client's safety.
Choice C reason:
It is inappropriate and potentially dangerous to dismiss the client's statement as manipulation. All expressions of suicidal ideation should be taken seriously, and the nurse should provide a supportive response that addresses the client's emotional state and safety concerns.
Choice D reason:
Notifying the client's family can be part of a broader safety plan, but it should not replace immediate assessment and intervention by the healthcare team. Family members may provide support, but they are not a substitute for professional care and suicide risk assessment.
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