A nurse is preparing to discharge a client who has depression. Which of the following information should the nurse plan to reinforce with the client regarding relapse?

Choice A reason: Naltrexone is not designed to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It works by blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol and reducing cravings, but clients who stop drinking may still experience withdrawal symptoms. Proper medical management and support are necessary to address alcohol withdrawal.

Choice B reason: Naltrexone does not help clients gradually decrease alcohol intake. Instead, it is used to help maintain abstinence by reducing cravings and the reinforcing effects of alcohol. Clients typically need to stop drinking before starting naltrexone treatment.

Choice C reason: Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, is not a common side effect of naltrexone or an expected reaction when consuming alcohol while on the medication. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of how naltrexone works and its potential side effects.

Choice D reason: This statement accurately reflects one of the primary effects of naltrexone. The medication helps reduce cravings for alcohol, making it easier for individuals to maintain abstinence and avoid relapse. By understanding this aspect of naltrexone, the client demonstrates a clear understanding of its purpose and use in alcohol dependence treatment.

Choice A reason: A client who is hearing command hallucinations should be prioritized first because command hallucinations can be particularly dangerous. These hallucinations can involve voices instructing the client to harm themselves or others. Immediate assessment and intervention are crucial to ensure the client's safety and to prevent potential harm. The nurse needs to address the client's safety concerns and implement necessary precautions.

Choice B reason: A client verbalizing ideas of reference, which involve misinterpreting events or remarks as having personal significance, may experience distress and paranoia. While these symptoms require attention and management, they do not typically pose an immediate risk to the client's or others' safety. The nurse should monitor and support the client but prioritize more urgent safety concerns first.

Choice C reason: A client using neologisms, or creating new words that are not understood by others, indicates a thought disorder. While this is a significant symptom that requires intervention, it does not typically pose an immediate risk to safety. The nurse should evaluate the client's communication and thought processes and provide appropriate care.

Choice D reason: A client demonstrating clang associations, which involve linking words based on sound rather than meaning, also indicates a thought disorder. This symptom requires attention, but it does not usually pose an immediate threat to the client's or others' safety. The nurse should assess the client's condition and provide appropriate interventions but prioritize more urgent safety concerns first.