A nurse is caring for a client who has alcohol use disorder and is experiencing acute withdrawal. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer first?
Naltrexone
Disulfiram
Lorazepam
Acamprosate
The Correct Answer is C
A. Naltrexone:
Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. It blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol in the brain. It's often used as part of a long-term treatment plan to prevent relapse in individuals who have already stopped drinking and are trying to maintain sobriety. Naltrexone does not directly manage acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Instead, it helps individuals reduce or quit drinking over the long term by reducing the pleasure associated with alcohol consumption.
B. Disulfiram:
Disulfiram is an aversion therapy medication used as a deterrent to drinking. When someone taking disulfiram consumes alcohol, it causes unpleasant physical reactions, such as nausea, flushing, and palpitations. This discourages individuals from drinking while they are on the medication. Disulfiram is not used to manage acute withdrawal symptoms but rather serves as a deterrent to drinking for individuals who are trying to maintain sobriety.
C. Lorazepam:
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine medication that acts as a central nervous system depressant. It is commonly used to manage acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam help to reduce anxiety, agitation, and the risk of seizures associated with alcohol withdrawal. They are typically used in a controlled manner to provide relief during the acute phase of withdrawal.
D. Acamprosate:
Acamprosate is used in the maintenance phase of alcohol use disorder treatment. It helps individuals maintain abstinence by stabilizing the chemical imbalances in the brain that occur after prolonged alcohol use. Acamprosate is not used for acute withdrawal management but is instead prescribed to support individuals who have already stopped drinking and are trying to avoid relapse over the long term.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The nurse maintains confidentiality unless the client's safety is compromised:
Explanation: Maintaining confidentiality is a fundamental principle in nursing practice. Nurses are ethically and legally obligated to keep client information confidential, ensuring that the client's privacy is respected. Confidentiality builds trust between the nurse and the client, encouraging open communication. However, confidentiality can be breached if the client's safety is at risk, such as if they express suicidal or homicidal thoughts, indicating the need for intervention to ensure their well-being.
B. The nurse seeks to spend extra time specifically with the client each day:
Explanation: While it's important for nurses to spend adequate time with each client, seeking to spend extra time specifically with one client may create imbalances in care distribution. Nurses should strive to provide equitable care to all clients, addressing their needs based on assessments and care plans. Special attention to one client could lead to feelings of favoritism or neglect among other clients, affecting the therapeutic environment.
C. The client sees the nurse as an authority figure:
Explanation: Clients often view nurses as authority figures due to their expertise and role in healthcare. This perception can facilitate a therapeutic relationship, as clients may trust the nurse's guidance and care. However, this should be balanced with empathy and understanding to create a supportive and therapeutic environment.
D. The client regards the nurse as a friend:
Explanation: While a therapeutic nurse-client relationship aims for trust and rapport, it is not a friendship. The nurse maintains professional boundaries to provide objective care without personal bias. Friendship implies a level of personal involvement that can compromise the nurse's ability to make objective clinical decisions. A therapeutic relationship is built on trust, respect, empathy, and clear professional boundaries.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hallways are long distances:
Long hallways can be challenging for individuals with dementia due to their potential mobility issues, disorientation, and decreased ability to navigate. Dementia often affects spatial awareness and can lead to confusion, making it difficult for patients to find their way back to their rooms or common areas. Long distances increase the risk of falls and disorientation.
B. The room has an area rug:
Area rugs can present tripping hazards for anyone, especially for individuals with mobility issues, balance problems, or cognitive impairments like dementia. Patients might trip on the edges of the rug, leading to falls and injuries.
C. The bed is in the low position:
Having the bed in a low position is generally considered a safety measure, especially for patients at risk of falls. However, for a patient with dementia, it might be important to strike a balance. Beds that are too low can be difficult for individuals with dementia to get in and out of, potentially leading to falls. It's important to assess the patient's ability to safely get in and out of bed.
D. Outside doors have locks:
Locks on outside doors are essential for the safety of individuals with dementia. Dementia patients are prone to wandering, which can lead them to dangerous situations if they leave the facility unsupervised. Locks on outside doors help prevent wandering, ensuring the patients stay within the secure confines of the facility.
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