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 C
Explanation
A. Request a prescription for varenicline from the client's provider.
Varenicline is used to help people quit smoking and is not indicated for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
B. Initiate facility procedures for emergency commitment.
Emergency commitment typically involves legal procedures and should only be pursued if the client poses an immediate danger to themselves or others. It is not the appropriate action in this scenario without further information indicating such a need.
C. Inform the client about policies for dispensing methadone.
Methadone is a medication used to help people reduce or quit their use of heroin or other opiates. Methadone is dispensed under strict regulations and guidelines due to its potential for misuse. The nurse should inform the client about the policies and procedures related to the dispensing of methadone, ensuring the client understands the rules and requirements associated with its use.
D. Assess the client using the CAGE questionnaire.
The CAGE questionnaire is a tool used to screen for alcohol use disorder, not opioid use disorder. While it's essential to assess the client comprehensively, using appropriate tools, in this case, informing the client about methadone dispensing policies is the most relevant action.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "I will learn how to voluntarily control my blood pressure and heart rate."
This statement indicates the client might be referring to techniques such as biofeedback or relaxation exercises that involve controlling physiological responses consciously. While these are relaxation techniques, they are not specifically cognitive reframing. Cognitive reframing focuses on changing negative thought patterns.
B. "I will practice replacing negative thoughts with positive self-statements."
This statement accurately reflects the concept of cognitive reframing. It involves identifying negative or unhelpful thoughts and consciously replacing them with positive, empowering, or rational thoughts. This technique is widely used in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and various mental health issues.
C. "I will focus on a mental image while concentrating on my breathing."
This statement describes a relaxation technique where individuals visualize a calming image and synchronize their breathing with this mental image. While this practice is beneficial for relaxation, it is not cognitive reframing. Cognitive reframing specifically deals with changing the content of thoughts, not necessarily focusing on mental imagery.
D. "I will progressively relax each of my muscle groups when feeling stressed."
This statement describes a relaxation technique known as progressive muscle relaxation. It involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups to reduce physical tension and stress. While this technique is excellent for relaxation, it is not cognitive reframing. Cognitive reframing pertains to changing thoughts, not physical sensations.
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