You are an RN working in a busy Emergency Department and have just received a new patient who smells like alcohol, has bloodshot eyes, and reports a severe headache. The patient states that he hasn't had a real meal in a long time, and drinks several large bottles of alcohol daily. What do you anticipate administering to this patient based upon his history?
Timolol eyedrops
Acetaminophen
Aspirin
Banana bag
The Correct Answer is D
A. Timolol is a beta-blocker used primarily to treat glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure. It would not address the issues presented by this patient, who is likely dealing with alcohol-related complications.
B. Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever. While the patient reports a severe headache, administering acetaminophen may not be advisable due to potential liver damage from alcohol use, especially if the patient has not eaten properly. Chronic alcohol use can also increase the risk of hepatotoxicity with acetaminophen.
C. Aspirin is another pain reliever that could potentially be used for headaches. However, like acetaminophen, it carries risks for patients with alcohol use, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, aspirin should be used cautiously in cases of possible liver impairment.
D. A "banana bag" is a term for an intravenous solution often used in patients with alcohol use disorder to provide hydration and essential vitamins, especially thiamine, which can prevent Wernicke's encephalopathy. It typically contains normal saline or dextrose, electrolytes, and vitamins (including B1, B6, and B12).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This statement indicates a good understanding of nutritional needs. High-protein foods are essential for maintaining muscle mass and supporting immune function, particularly for individuals with HIV. Finger foods can also help if the client has a reduced appetite or difficulty with larger meals.
B. While hydration is important, 1 liter may not be sufficient for overall health, especially if the client is experiencing weight loss or other symptoms of dehydration. The nurse would typically recommend a higher intake, considering fluid needs can vary based on activity level and overall health.
C. This statement may not be optimal for weight gain. For someone struggling with weight maintenance, smaller, more frequent meals may be more beneficial than three large meals. Large meals might lead to fullness and decrease overall caloric intake, which can hinder weight gain efforts.
D. While fats can provide a high caloric density, a diet excessively high in unhealthy fats is not ideal. It’s important to focus on healthy fats (like avocados, nuts, and olive oil) rather than just increasing fat intake indiscriminately.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Prednisone can lead to sodium and fluid retention, which can result in hypertension and edema. While this is an important consideration, it is not the most critical point to emphasize initially. Managing weight and blood pressure is essential, but there are more immediate concerns with the medication's use.
B. Long-term use of prednisone can result in changes such as fat redistribution, leading to a "moon face," buffalo hump, and increased abdominal fat. This is significant for understanding the side effects of prolonged therapy, but it is not the most urgent information for the client to know.
C. Prednisone can cause side effects such as mood changes, anxiety, or jitteriness, especially when initiating treatment or adjusting dosages. While this is relevant, the potential for emotional or psychological effects is secondary to the critical management of the medication.
D. This is the most critical point to emphasize. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can suppress the body's natural adrenal function. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to adrenal crisis, which can be life- threatening.
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