A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted to the emergency department with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 mg/dL. Which of the following conclusions should the nurse make about the client's blood alcohol content?
The client has a substance use disorder.
The client ingested enough alcohol to cause them to experience acute cognitive impairment.
The client needs inpatient treatment for their drinking problem.
The client has been a heavy drinker over the past few months.
The Correct Answer is B
A. A single blood alcohol content (BAC) reading does not automatically indicate a substance use disorder. Diagnosis of a substance use disorder requires a pattern of behavior over time, including impaired control, social or occupational impairment, and continued use despite consequences, not a single episode of intoxication.
B. A BAC of 0.15 mg/dL indicates intoxication sufficient to cause acute cognitive impairment, including impaired judgment, reduced coordination, slowed reaction time, and possible emotional lability. This level is above the legal driving limit in most countries (commonly 0.08 mg/dL), meaning the client is experiencing immediate effects of alcohol on the central nervous system.
C. While the client may need follow-up evaluation, a single BAC reading does not automatically indicate the need for inpatient treatment. Treatment decisions depend on the client’s overall drinking history, risk factors, and clinical presentation, not just the acute BAC.
D. A single elevated BAC does not provide information about the client’s long-term drinking patterns. Chronic heavy drinking is diagnosed based on history, laboratory findings, and behavioral patterns over weeks to months, not an isolated blood alcohol measurement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A. The child appearing withdrawn, avoiding eye contact, and looking down can be a behavioral manifestation seen in cases of factitious disorder imposed on another (previously called Munchausen syndrome by proxy). Children may appear fearful, anxious, or emotionally subdued, especially when the caregiver is present.
B. Multiple hospitalizations over a short period of time (seven in 6 months) with no clear medical diagnosis is a major red flag. Repeated healthcare visits, extensive testing, and frequent admissions without objective findings are classic indicators of factitious disorder imposed on another.
C. Unexplained abdominal pain with repeated negative evaluations is consistent with fabricated or induced symptoms. In this scenario, providers have been unable to find a medical cause despite ongoing complaints.
D. Excessive thinking about health is more characteristic of somatic symptom disorder or illness anxiety disorder. In factitious disorder imposed on another, the caregiver is typically focused on portraying the child as ill, not necessarily expressing anxiety about their own health thoughts.
E. Recent trauma is not identified in the scenario and is not a defining manifestation of factitious disorder. Trauma may contribute to other psychiatric conditions but is not a diagnostic feature here.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Fluoxetineis a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is FDA-approved for the treatment of bulimia nervosa. It helps reduce binge-eating and purging behaviors by increasing serotonin activity in the brain, which can improve mood and impulse control. Fluoxetine is often prescribed in higher doses for bulimia than for depression.
B. Naltrexoneis an opioid antagonist used primarily for alcohol or opioid use disorders. While it can sometimes be used off-label to reduce cravings or binge-eating in certain disorders, it is not the first-line SSRI treatment for bulimia nervosa.
C. Valproateis a mood stabilizer used for bipolar disorder or seizure disorders. It is not indicated for the treatment of bulimia nervosa.
D. Olanzapineis an atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Although it may have off-label use for anorexia nervosa to promote weight gain, it is not a first-line treatment for bulimia nervosa and is not an SSRI.
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