A 68-year-old man with a history of alcohol abuse is admitted to the acute care facility for reports of abdominal pain. Based on your understanding of alcohol withdrawal, the nurse knows that if patient is currently abusing alcohol, he will most likely.
develop withdrawal symptoms 48 to 72 hours after the last intake of alcohol
be prescribed oxazepam (Serax)
experience delirium tremors within 4 hours of hospitalization
receive 1 ounce of alcohol every 4 hours while awake
The Correct Answer is A
A. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically begin within 6 to 24 hours after the last drink, with peak symptoms usually occurring between 48 and 72 hours. Delirium tremens (DTs), a severe form of withdrawal, usually develops within this timeframe if not managed properly.
B. This choice is partially correct but less specific. Oxazepam (Serax) is a benzodiazepine that can be prescribed to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, especially in patients with liver impairment, as it is metabolized differently from other benzodiazepines. However, it is not the only medication used; lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium) are also commonly used to manage withdrawal symptoms.
C. This choice is less likely to be correct. Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal characterized by confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and autonomic instability. DTs typically develop between 48 and 72 hours after the last drink, not within 4 hours. Symptoms that occur within 4 hours of hospitalization are more likely to be early withdrawal symptoms rather than DTs.
D. This choice is not a standard treatment for alcohol withdrawal. While some facilities might use a tapering protocol to gradually reduce alcohol intake, in most cases, the goal is to manage withdrawal symptoms using medications rather than providing alcohol. The use of medication such as benzodiazepines is preferred to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Giving alcohol is not a standard or recommended approach for managing withdrawal in acute care settings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. When a patient is taking multiple medications, it's important to review them for potential interactions. Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications, is common in older adults and can increase the risk of adverse drug reactions, side effects, and decreased effectiveness of medications.
B. While it's important to educate the patient about the risks of polypharmacy, the nurse's initial priority should be to assess the medications for potential interactions.
C. This is an important step in patient education, but it should be done after the nurse has reviewed the medications for potential interactions.
D. While it's important to verify the appropriateness of each medication, the nurse's initial priority should be to assess for potential interactions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. When faced with a situation where a patient's family refuses medical care, it is important to follow the facility's policies and procedures. In many cases, the hospital social worker can be a valuable resource in helping to resolve such situations. The social worker can provide support to the family, help them understand the importance of medical care, and advocate for the patient's best interests.
B. While it is important to respect the family's cultural and religious beliefs, it is also important to ensure that the patient receives the necessary medical care. Allowing the family to pray with the patient is appropriate, but the patient should still receive medical attention for their broken arm.
C. This is not a appropriate course of action. While the patient has a right to receive medical care, it is important to approach the situation with respect and compassion, and to try to work with the family to find a solution that is in the best interests of the patient.
D. This could escalate the situation and make it more difficult to resolve. It is important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding, and to try to work with the family to find a solution that is acceptable to all parties.
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