Paramedics have brought a patient to the emergency department with a suspected heroin overdose. The nurse should recognize that the patient's most acute threat to health at this time is:
hypokalemia or hyponatremia.
acute gastrointestinal bleed.
increased intracranial pressure.
respiratory depression.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Hypokalemia or hyponatremia: While electrolyte imbalances are important, they are not the most immediate threat in the context of a heroin overdose.
B. Acute gastrointestinal bleed: An acute gastrointestinal bleed is not a primary concern with heroin overdose. It is not the most acute threat in this scenario.
C. Increased intracranial pressure: Increased intracranial pressure is not directly related to heroin overdose. The most pressing issue is related to the effects of the overdose.
D. Respiratory depression: Heroin overdose commonly leads to respiratory depression, which is the most immediate and life-threatening condition. Addressing respiratory depression is crucial for patient survival.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Alcohol tolerance: Alcohol tolerance refers to the decreased effect of alcohol with repeated use, not withdrawal symptoms.
B. Korsakoff's psychosis: Korsakoff's psychosis is a chronic condition related to thiamine deficiency and characterized by memory impairment and confabulation, not acute withdrawal symptoms.
C. Delirium tremens: Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can present with tremors, agitation, elevated blood pressure, tachycardia, and confusion. The client’s symptoms and recent history suggest DTs.
D. Wernicke's encephalopathy: Wernicke's encephalopathy typically presents with ataxia, confusion, and ophthalmoplegia rather than the acute withdrawal symptoms described.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Psychopharmacology: Psychopharmacology involves the use of medications to treat mental health disorders. It does not focus on altering irrational thinking, which is more relevant to therapy techniques.
B. Desensitization: Desensitization, or systematic desensitization, is a technique used to reduce anxiety by gradually exposing the client to the anxiety-provoking stimulus. It is not specifically aimed at altering irrational thinking.
C. Changing Therapy: The term "Changing Therapy" is not a standard therapy technique. It is not a recognized method for altering irrational thinking.
D. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is specifically designed to help clients identify and alter irrational or distorted thinking patterns. It focuses on changing maladaptive thought processes and behaviors.
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