A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing acute cocaine toxicity. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Hypothermia
Hypotension
Tremors
Respiratory depression
The Correct Answer is C
Tremors: This choice is correct. Tremors or muscle twitching can be expected in a client experiencing acute cocaine toxicity. Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that can cause overstimulation of muscles, resulting in tremors.
Incorrect:
A- Hypothermia: This choice is incorrect. Acute cocaine toxicity is associated with an increase in body temperature (hyperthermia) rather than a decrease (hypothermia). Cocaine is a stimulant that can cause the body to overheat, leading to hyperthermia, which is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention.
B- Hypotension: This choice is incorrect. Cocaine is a stimulant that increases blood pressure and heart rate, leading to hypertension (high blood pressure), not hypotension (low blood pressure). Hypertension is a common cardiovascular effect of cocaine use.
D- Respiratory depression: This choice is incorrect. Respiratory depression, which is a slowing of the respiratory rate and depth, is more commonly associated with depressant drugs like opioids or benzodiazepines. As a stimulant, cocaine tends to have the opposite effect, leading to increased respiratory rate (tachypnea) and sometimes hyperventilation.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While choice A, “I haven’t gotten my period yet, and all my friends have theirs,” is a valid concern for a 13-year-old, it is generally a normal part of development. Menarche can occur anywhere between ages 9 and 16, so it’s not uncommon for some girls to start later than their peers. However, it is important to address this concern and provide reassurance.
B- "My parents treat me like a baby sometimes." This comment suggests a possible issue with parent-child dynamics, but it does not indicate an immediate health concern. The nurse may explore this further during a counseling session or refer the adolescent to a school counselor if necessary.
C- "There's a big pimple on my face, and I worry that everyone will notice it." While acne can impact an adolescent's self-esteem, it is not a priority issue from a health perspective. The nurse can provide support, discuss basic skincare practices, and offer guidance on managing acne if appropriate.
D. "None of the kids at this school like me, and I don't like them either." This comment indicates potential issues with social relationships, isolation, and possible mental health concerns, which should be prioritized for further evaluation and support. The client might be at risk for depression, an eating disorder or self-harm.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Heroin is an opioid drug that depresses the central nervous system, which can lead to respiratory depression. This means that heroin can slow down a person's breathing rate, potentially leading to shallow breathing or even stopping of breathing altogether. This is a life-threatening complication and one of the most significant dangers of heroin use.
The other options listed are associated with other substances or conditions:
A- Nasal septum perforation is commonly associated with the use of cocaine, not heroin.
C- Acute pancreatitis is not a commonly reported complication of heroin use.
D- Permanent short-term memory loss is not a specific complication of heroin use, though chronic substance abuse can lead to cognitive impairments and memory problems in general.

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