A nurse is caring for a client who was hospitalized with a high blood alcohol content level. The provider fears the client may go into withdrawal and require medical supervision. The client's manifestations included anxiety, tremors, BP 166/100 mm Hg, and tachypnea about 1 hr ago. Now the client begins yelling out that they are seeing spiders crawling all over the walls. They believe they are at home and begin calling for their mother. The nurse should recognize that the client is experiencing which of the following stages of alcohol withdrawal?
Stage 1 (mild)
Stage 3 (severe)
The client's manifestations indicate a psychotic disorder instead of alcohol withdrawal.
Stage 2 (moderate)
The Correct Answer is B
Stage 3 alcohol withdrawal, also known as delirium tremens (DTs), is characterized by severe manifestations, including hallucinations (such as seeing spiders crawling on the walls), disorientation, agitation, and potentially life-threatening physiological disturbances. The client's
belief that they are at home and calling for their mother indicates significant confusion and disorientation, which are common features of delirium tremens.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant commonly used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including illness anxiety disorder (formerly known as hypochondriasis). It helps alleviate symptoms by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
A. Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used in the treatment of seizure disorders, bipolar disorder, and certain types of neuropathic pain. It is not typically used as a first-line treatment for illness anxiety disorder.
B. Haloperidol is a first-generation antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, and severe agitation. It is not typically used as a first-line treatment for illness anxiety disorder,
C. Olanzapine is a second-generation antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and certain types of depression. Like haloperidol, it is not typically used as a first-line treatment for illness anxiety disorder
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A serum lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range, indicating lithium toxicity. Manifestations of lithium toxicity can include neurological symptoms such as blurred vision and jerking motor movements. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, confusion, drowsiness, and muscle weakness.
B. Fever and fluctuating blood pressure are not typical manifestations of lithium toxicity.
C GI discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, is a common symptom of lithium toxicity. Poor coordination, along with tremors and muscle weakness, can also occur due to the effects of lithium on the central nervous system.
D. Lip smacking and tongue thrusting are repetitive and involuntary movements associated with certain types of seizures or seizure disorders, but they are not typically observed in lithium toxicity.
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