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

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Tinnitus. Phenytoin is not commonly associated with tinnitus. Ototoxicity is more frequently linked to medications such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, loop diuretics, or high-dose aspirin. While phenytoin affects the nervous system, it does not typically cause ringing in the ears.

B. Bleeding gums. Gingival hyperplasia, characterized by swollen and bleeding gums, is a well-known adverse effect of phenytoin, especially with long-term use. It occurs due to an overgrowth of gum tissue and can be minimized with good oral hygiene and regular dental care. Clients should be advised to brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and visit the dentist regularly.

C. Jaundice. Although phenytoin is metabolized by the liver, hepatotoxicity and jaundice are not common side effects. However, liver function should still be monitored, particularly in clients with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking other hepatotoxic medications.

D. Deep vein thrombosis. Phenytoin does not significantly increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). While some anticonvulsants may affect coagulation factors, phenytoin is not known to cause hypercoagulability or clot formation. Clients at risk for DVT should be monitored for other contributing factors, such as immobility or genetic predisposition.

A. Atropine B. Vitamin K C. Vitamin B12 D. Protamine

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Atropine. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication used to treat bradycardia and reduce secretions before surgery. It has no effect on reversing anticoagulation caused by heparin and would not be an appropriate treatment for heparin overdose.

B. Vitamin K. Vitamin K is used as an antidote for warfarin toxicity, as it helps produce clotting factors that warfarin inhibits. However, it does not reverse the effects of heparin, which works by enhancing the activity of antithrombin to prevent clot formation.

C. Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell production and neurological function, primarily used to treat conditions like pernicious anemia. It does not have any role in reversing the anticoagulant effects of heparin and would not be beneficial in this situation.

D. Protamine. Protamine sulfate is the specific antidote for heparin overdose. It binds to heparin, neutralizing its anticoagulant effects and preventing excessive bleeding. Protamine is administered intravenously in cases of heparin toxicity or when urgent reversal is needed, such as before surgery or in cases of uncontrolled bleeding.

View Question and Answer

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

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is administering phenytoin to a client. The nurse should monitor for which of the following adverse effects?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving heparin therapy. If the client requires a reversal of the effects of heparin, which of the following medications should the nurse expect the provider to prescribe?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse in a clinic receives a telephone call from a client who has tuberculosis and was prescribed rifampin 3 days ago. The client reports, "My saliva and tears are red. What should I do?" Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

A nurse is preparing to administer erythromycin PO to a client who has an infection. The nurse checks the client's medical record and notes that the client has a severe allergy to penicillin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse about monitoring morphine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Which of the following information should the nurse include?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who reports nausea and has vomited clear emesis. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer?

A nurse is collecting a medication history from the parent of a preschooler who comes to the clinic for routine immunizations. For which of the following findings should the nurse withhold the varicella immunization?

A nurse in a provider's office is collecting data from a client who continues to have a migraine headache after taking sumatriptan orally 2 hr ago. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report?

A nurse is reviewing a list of current medications for a client who is starting therapy with furosemide. Which of the following medications should the nurse identify as being contraindicated?