A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of sedative use disorder. Which cue is indicative that a client has used a sedative-hypnotic drug?

Elevated blood pressure and heart rate.

Increased energy and hyperactivity.

Excessive drowsiness and sedation.

Improved sleep quality and duration.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason:
Elevated blood pressure and heart rate are not typically indicative of sedative-hypnotic drug use. These symptoms are more commonly associated with stimulant use or withdrawal from depressants.

Choice B Reason:
Increased energy and hyperactivity are also not indicative of sedative-hypnotic drug use. These are symptoms that might be observed with stimulant drugs or during withdrawal from depressants.

Choice C Reason:
Excessive drowsiness and sedation are hallmark signs of sedative-hypnotic drug use. Sedative-hypnotics, which include drugs like benzodiazepines and barbiturates, work by depressing the central nervous system, leading to a decrease in brain activity and causing drowsiness and sedation.

Choice D Reason:
While improved sleep quality and duration might be an intended effect of sedative-hypnotic drugs, they are not indicative of acute use or intoxication. These drugs are often prescribed to help with sleep; however, their misuse can lead to excessive sedation beyond normal sleep patterns.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Supporting the client's attempt to rebuild damaged interpersonal relationships is an important long-term goal in the recovery process. However, it is not the immediate priority when a client is experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms, which can be life-threatening.

Choice B reason:
Educating the client about the effects of alcohol dependence and the need for rehabilitation is crucial for long-term recovery and preventing relapse. Nevertheless, during acute withdrawal, the priority is to manage the physical and psychological symptoms safely.

Choice C reason:
Teaching the client alternative strategies for managing anxiety is a valuable part of therapy and helps in long-term coping. However, during acute withdrawal, the client may not be able to learn or apply these strategies effectively due to the severity of their symptoms.

Choice D reason:
Preparing to administer Ativan as ordered is the priority action. Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine commonly used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It helps to prevent seizures, reduce agitation, and manage other withdrawal symptoms. During the acute phase of alcohol withdrawal, maintaining physiological stability and ensuring the client's safety are the primary concerns.

A. A: "I'm glad you called, and I want to send an ambulance to help you." B. B:"You must have been feeling pretty depressed to do that." C. C:"Were you trying to kill yourself by taking an overdose?" D. D:"Do you know how many pills were in the bottle?"

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
In a situation where a client has ingested a potentially lethal amount of medication, immediate medical intervention is crucial. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant, and overdose can lead to life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias, severe hypotension, and seizures. The nurse's priority is to ensure the safety of the client by sending an ambulance. This response also acknowledges the client's cry for help and initiates prompt action.

Choice B Reason:
While it's important to recognize the emotional state of the client, this response does not address the immediate medical emergency. The client's safety is the priority, and while their feelings are valid, this choice does not facilitate the urgent care needed.

Choice C Reason:
Asking if the client was trying to commit suicide can come across as judgmental and may close off communication. It's essential to maintain an open line of communication and focus on getting medical help rather than determining intent at this critical moment.

Choice D Reason:
Knowing the quantity of medication ingested can be useful information for medical professionals; however, it is not the most immediate concern in a crisis situation. The first response should be to ensure that medical help is on its way.

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A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of sedative use disorder. Which cue is indicative that a client has used a sedative-hypnotic drug?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client who has a history of alcohol use disorder and is experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Which of the following should be the priority action by the nurse?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse on a crisis hotline is speaking to a client who says, "I just took an entire bottle of amitriptyline." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a community education course about the physical complications related to substance use disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the primary cause of liver cirrhosis?

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A nurse is reinforcing teaching about alcohol tolerance with a newly admitted client. Which of the following statements by the client indicates that the teaching was effective?

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A nurse is caring for a client with generalized anxiety disorder who is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following is the nurse's priority action for this client?

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