A nurse is teaching a client who is prescribed disulfiram (Antabuse) for alcohol use disorder. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"I can drink alcohol as long as I skip the dose of disulfiram."
"I should avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol."
"I will experience euphoria if I drink alcohol while taking disulfiram."
"I can stop taking disulfiram once I have been sober for a month."
The Correct Answer is B
Correct answer: b) "I should avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol."
Rationale: Disulfiram works by inhibiting the enzyme that metabolizes alcohol, causing a buildup of acetaldehyde in the body. This produces a severe reaction when alcohol is consumed, which includes flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and hypotension. The reaction can occur even with small amounts of alcohol found in mouthwash, cough syrup, perfume, or food.
Incorrect choices:
a) "I can drink alcohol as long as I skip the dose of disulfiram.": This is incorrect as the effects of disulfiram can last for up to two weeks after the last dose. The client should abstain from alcohol completely while taking disulfiram and for at least 14 days after stopping the medication.
c) "I will experience euphoria if I drink alcohol while taking disulfiram.": This is incorrect as the reaction caused by disulfiram and alcohol is unpleasant and aversive, not euphoric. The purpose of disulfiram is to deter the client from drinking alcohol by creating a negative association.
d) "I can stop taking disulfiram once I have been sober for a month.": This is incorrect as disulfiram is not a cure for alcohol use disorder, but a tool to help the client maintain sobriety. The client should continue taking disulfiram as prescribed by the provider and participate in other forms of treatment such as counseling, support groups, and relapse prevention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Correct answer: a) Hypertension, tachycardia, and diaphoresis
Rationale: Opioid withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of sympathetic nervous system activation and include hypertension, tachycardia, diaphoresis, restlessness, anxiety, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Incorrect choices:
b) Hypotension, bradycardia, and constipation: These are signs of opioid intoxication or overdose, not withdrawal.
c) Hypothermia, lethargy, and miosis: These are also signs of opioid intoxication or overdose, not withdrawal.
d) Hyperthermia, agitation, and mydriasis: These are signs of stimulant abuse or withdrawal, not opioid withdrawal.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Correct answer: b) Agitation and paranoia
Rationale: Agitation and paranoia are signs of stimulant intoxication and indicate that the client is experiencing a psychotic reaction to amphetamines. The nurse should provide a calm and safe environment, administer antipsychotics if ordered, and monitor the client for violence or self-harm.
Incorrect choices:
a) Hypotension and bradycardia: These are signs of depressant intoxication and indicate that the client is taking sedatives, opioids, or alcohol.
c) Slurred speech and ataxia: These are signs of depressant intoxication and indicate that the client is taking sedatives, opioids, or alcohol.
d) Sedation and respiratory depression: These are signs of depressant intoxication and indicate that the client is taking sedatives, opioids, or alcohol.
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