A nurse is caring for a client who has alcohol use disorder and is experiencing withdrawal.
The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations?
Hyperglycemia.
Decreased blood pressure.
Decreased heart rate.
Hyperthermia.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is D. Hyperthermia.
Choice A reason: Hyperglycemia, which is an elevated blood glucose level, is not typically a direct manifestation of alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal can sometimes lead to poor oral intake or vomiting, which might indirectly affect blood sugar levels, but hyperglycemia itself is not a primary concern in the context of alcohol withdrawal.
Choice B reason: Decreased blood pressure During alcohol withdrawal, the sympathetic nervous system is often overactive, leading to symptoms such as increased blood pressure, rather than decreased. Therefore, decreased blood pressure is not a common manifestation of alcohol withdrawal. Normal blood pressure ranges for adults are systolic BP of 100-120mmHg and diastolic BP of 70-80mmHg.
Choice C reason: Decreased heart rate Similar to blood pressure, the heart rate typically increases during alcohol withdrawal due to sympathetic nervous system overactivity. A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). Decreased heart rate is not expected during alcohol withdrawal.
Choice D reason: Hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature, is a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. This occurs as part of the body’s response to the sudden absence of alcohol, and can be a part of the withdrawal syndrome, which includes a range of symptoms from mild anxiety to severe complications like seizures. Normal body temperature ranges from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Illness anxiety disorder. Illness anxiety disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, is characterized by excessive worry about having a serious illness despite having no or mild medical symptoms. This disorder primarily involves excessive health-related anxiety and preoccupation with the idea of having a severe illness. It is not associated with physical symptoms causing distress and impairment in daily life, as described in the question.
Choice B rationale:
Conversion disorder. Conversion disorder, also known as functional neurological symptom disorder, is characterized by the presence of neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by a medical condition. These symptoms are not intentionally produced and often involve motor or sensory deficits. In this disorder, there is a disconnection between psychological distress and physical symptoms, but it does not involve chronic physical symptoms or the intentional production of symptoms, as mentioned in the question.
Choice D rationale:
Factitious disorder. Factitious disorder involves intentional production of physical or psychological symptoms to assume the role of a sick person. People with this disorder often seek medical attention, and they may even harm themselves to create symptoms. However, factitious disorder does not fully explain the chronic physical symptoms that the client in the question is experiencing. This disorder is more about the intentional creation of symptoms rather than distress from chronic physical symptoms. Now, let's move on to the next question.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today