A patient is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of alcoholism.
The nurse should expect an order for:
Vitamin C 500mg orally daily.
Thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1) 50mg intramuscularly 3 times a day.
Magnesium 20 mEq in 100ml normal saline via IV one time only.
Albumin 25% 200ml via IV one time over 1 hour.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and plays a role in collagen synthesis and immune function. While individuals with alcoholism may have poor nutrition and potential vitamin deficiencies, thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency is a more immediate and critical concern due to its role in glucose metabolism and the risk of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Choice B rationale
Thiamine deficiency is common in individuals with chronic alcoholism due to poor dietary intake, impaired absorption, and increased utilization of thiamine in metabolizing alcohol. Intramuscular administration ensures adequate absorption, and the frequency addresses the ongoing need to prevent or treat Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a serious neurological disorder.
Choice C rationale
Magnesium deficiency is also common in alcoholics due to poor intake, increased urinary excretion, and gastrointestinal losses. While a one-time intravenous dose of magnesium sulfate can help replete levels and prevent complications like seizures, it does not address the chronic nature of the deficiency and the need for ongoing management.
Choice D rationale
Albumin is a plasma protein that can be low in individuals with chronic liver disease, which can be associated with alcoholism. However, a one-time infusion of albumin primarily addresses low oncotic pressure and fluid shifts and is not a standard initial treatment for alcoholism itself. Addressing thiamine deficiency is a more immediate priority to prevent neurological complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Dividing time evenly among patients reflects the professional value of justice, ensuring fair allocation of nursing resources based on patient needs rather than strict equality of time. Justice in nursing involves impartiality and equitable treatment.
Choice B rationale
Demonstrating care and concern for a patient's culture and beliefs aligns with the professional value of respect for autonomy and human dignity. It involves acknowledging and valuing the patient's individuality and their right to self-determination in healthcare decisions.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the patient to make decisions about food selection promotes patient autonomy, allowing them to exercise their right to make choices about their care. This respects their preferences and empowers them in their healthcare journey.
Choice D rationale
Performing patient assessment and recording findings accurately exemplifies integrity, which involves honesty, truthfulness, and adherence to ethical principles. Accurate documentation provides an honest representation of the patient's condition and the care provided, crucial for safe and effective nursing practice.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Opioid analgesics, while causing central nervous system depression and potentially leading to drowsiness and difficulty falling asleep, are less likely to directly cause difficulty *remaining* asleep. Their primary effect on sleep is usually at the initiation stage due to their sedative properties.
Choice B rationale
Physical therapy scheduled for 4: p.m. might cause some fatigue, potentially aiding sleep onset. However, unless it causes significant pain or discomfort later in the night, it's unlikely to be a primary factor in difficulty remaining asleep.
Choice C rationale
Frequent blood glucose checks, while potentially disruptive, are typically brief interventions. Unless the client experiences significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels that cause nocturnal symptoms like sweating or palpitations, these checks are less likely to be the main cause of difficulty remaining asleep. Normal fasting blood glucose ranges from 70 to 100 mg/dL.
Choice D rationale
Intravenous antibiotics administered every 3 hours necessitate frequent awakenings throughout the night to maintain therapeutic drug levels. These repeated interruptions to the sleep cycle directly interfere with the ability to remain asleep, fragmenting sleep patterns and preventing the client from achieving restorative sleep.
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