The physician ordered 330 mg of cefazolin IM twice daily.

The directions for reconstitution state: Provides an approximate volume of 330 mg/mL. How many milliliters will you administer?

This question focuses on the pharmacological management of opioid withdrawal. It requires identifying the use of long-acting opioid agonists, which provide a controlled, stable effect on the nervous system, helping to suppress withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings while minimizing the potential for intoxication.

Choice A rationale

Disulfiram is a medication used to treat alcohol use disorder. It works by causing severe adverse reactions if the patient consumes alcohol. It has no pharmacological role in managing opioid withdrawal symptoms and would be entirely ineffective for this purpose.

Choice B rationale

Betalol is not a recognized medication used for managing opioid withdrawal. Medications for withdrawal are selected for their ability to interact with opioid receptors or mitigate the autonomic nervous system hyper-arousal that occurs during the process of opioid cessation in patients.

Choice C rationale

Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid agonist used to manage opioid withdrawal and dependence. It binds to the same receptors as heroin or morphine but has a slower onset and longer duration, helping to prevent withdrawal while reducing illicit drug cravings.

Choice D rationale

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety or muscle spasms. While it may sometimes be used to manage some withdrawal symptoms, methadone is the specific pharmacological intervention used for opioid withdrawal because it directly targets the underlying neurochemical dependence on opioids.

This question assesses knowledge of normal physiological changes associated with aging. The nurse must apply this information to tailor education strategies, ensuring that the plan accounts for cognitive shifts, such as memory changes, to maximize the patient's comprehension and retention of complex medication regimens.

Choice A rationale

Aging is associated with a decrease in auditory acuity, known as presbycusis, rather than an increase in sound conduction. Sensory changes are expected in older adults, requiring the nurse to speak clearly and face the patient during educational sessions.

Choice B rationale

General intellectual ability does not necessarily decrease with age. While processing speed may slow slightly, cognitive function remains stable. Assuming a decrease in intellectual ability is a stereotypic approach that can lead to ineffective or patronizing communication with patients.

Choice C rationale

Older adults may face increased difficulty in maintaining sustained concentration due to various factors, such as sensory overload or chronic fatigue. Increased ability to concentrate is not a characteristic of aging, making it an incorrect consideration for planning patient education.

Choice D rationale

Aging is often associated with a decline in short-term memory function. The nurse should utilize written materials, large-print resources, and simplified, frequent teaching sessions to assist the older adult in retaining the critical information needed for safe medication adherence.