A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal. The nurse should anticipate administering which of the following medications to the client to facilitate the withdrawal process?
Varenicline
Diazepam
Clonidine
Methadone
The Correct Answer is B
A. Varenicline. Varenicline is used to aid smoking cessation by reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It does not have a role in managing acute alcohol withdrawal and would not be effective in preventing withdrawal-related complications.
B. Diazepam. Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, is commonly used to manage acute alcohol withdrawal by preventing seizures, reducing agitation, and alleviating autonomic hyperactivity (e.g., tachycardia, hypertension). It enhances GABA activity, which helps counteract the excitatory effects of alcohol withdrawal, reducing the risk of delirium tremens (DTs).
C. Clonidine. Clonidine is an alpha-2 agonist that helps control autonomic symptoms such as elevated blood pressure and heart rate. While it may be used as an adjunct therapy, it does not prevent seizures or delirium, making it insufficient as a primary treatment for alcohol withdrawal.
D. Methadone. Methadone is used for opioid withdrawal and maintenance therapy in opioid dependence. It does not alleviate alcohol withdrawal symptoms or prevent complications such as seizures or delirium, making it inappropriate for this condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Jaundice. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a sign of liver dysfunction and may indicate hepatotoxicity rather than an allergic reaction. Some medications can cause drug-induced liver injury (DILI), but jaundice is not a typical symptom of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction.
B. Urticaria. Urticaria (hives) is a classic allergic reaction that appears as raised, red, itchy welts on the skin. It occurs due to the release of histamine in response to an allergen, which increases capillary permeability and leads to swelling and itching. Urticaria may be accompanied by angioedema, respiratory distress, or anaphylaxis, requiring immediate intervention if severe.
C. Bradycardia. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not a typical manifestation of an allergic reaction. While anaphylaxis can cause hypotension and tachycardia due to systemic vasodilation, bradycardia is more commonly associated with beta-blockers, heart block, or vagal stimulation rather than an allergic response.
D. Hypertension. Allergic reactions, especially severe ones like anaphylaxis, typically cause vasodilation and hypotension, not hypertension. While stress or anxiety related to an allergic episode may lead to a temporary rise in blood pressure, persistent hypertension is not a direct sign of an allergic reaction.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Anorexia. While gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and esophageal irritation can occur with alendronate, anorexia is not a common adverse effect. If severe nausea leads to decreased appetite, the client should report this to their provider, but it is not a primary concern compared to more serious side effects.
B. Jaw pain. Jaw pain can indicate osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a rare but serious adverse effect associated with long-term bisphosphonate use. This condition involves poor bone healing, especially after dental procedures, and can lead to bone deterioration. Clients taking alendronate should report any persistent jaw pain and undergo regular dental exams to monitor bone health.
C. Insomnia. Alendronate does not typically cause insomnia. While some medications, such as corticosteroids and stimulants, are linked to sleep disturbances, alendronate does not affect the central nervous system in a way that would disrupt sleep patterns.
D. Bruising. Alendronate does not interfere with platelet function or coagulation, making bruising an unlikely adverse effect. Clients who experience unexplained bruising should be evaluated for other underlying causes, such as blood disorders or medication interactions.
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