A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?

The correct answer is choice D. Decreased hemoglobin.

Choice A rationale:

Cigarette smoking typically causes an increase in blood pressure due to the nicotine’s stimulating effects on the cardiovascular system, not a decrease.

Choice B rationale:

Smoking is more likely to cause tachycardia (increased heart rate) rather than bradycardia (decreased heart rate) because nicotine stimulates the release of adrenaline.

Choice C rationale:

Somnolence (drowsiness) is not a common adverse effect of cigarette smoking. Smoking usually has a stimulating effect due to nicotine.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased hemoglobin can occur as a result of smoking because it can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory issues, which can impair oxygen transport in the blood. Additionally, smoking can cause carbon monoxide to bind with hemoglobin, reducing its oxygen-carrying capacity.

The correct answer is C. Place a pillow under the child's head.

Rationale: The nurse should protect the child from injury by helping them to the floor and clearing away furniture or other items. The nurse should also place a pillow under the child's head to prevent head trauma and turn them onto their side to prevent aspiration of saliva or vomit. The nurse should not put anything in the child's mouth, as this could cause choking or damage to the teeth or tongue. The nurse should also not turn the child onto their back, as this could compromise their airway. The nurse should not restrain the child's upper extremities, as this could increase muscle spasms and cause injury.