A nurse in a substance abuse clinic is assessing a client who was recently prescribed disulfiram. The patient suddenly stopped taking this medication and is now complaining of severe nausea and vomiting. What should the nurse suspect is likely the cause of the client's distress?
The client is experiencing a common side effect to the medication.
The client consumed alcohol while taking the medication.
The client may have taken an overdose of this medication.
The client is demonstrating an allergic response to this medication.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Disulfiram itself does not usually cause nausea and vomiting unless combined with alcohol.
B. Disulfiram is used as aversion therapy for alcohol dependence. If the client consumes alcohol while on disulfiram, it produces an acetaldehyde reaction causing severe nausea, vomiting, flushing, hypotension, and palpitations.
C. Overdose may cause neurologic or cardiac issues, but the hallmark reaction is linked to alcohol consumption.
D. Allergic reactions would typically involve rash, swelling, or respiratory distress, not severe nausea and vomiting alone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Delirium is usually acute and reversible, especially when caused by an underlying condition like a UTI.
B. Delirium in elderly patients is often secondary to an acute illness such as a urinary tract infection. Treatment of the underlying cause typically resolves the confusion, so this statement provides accurate and reassuring information to the family.
C. While the provider can give a formal prognosis, the nurse can provide evidence-based, general information about delirium recovery.
D. While supportive, this does not address the family’s question about recovery.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Referring the patient to a minister avoids the nurse’s responsibility to provide immediate therapeutic support.
B. This response reflects the patient’s feelings and encourages further expression, which is therapeutic in depression.
C. Asking “why” can feel judgmental and place the patient on the defensive, which is non-therapeutic.
D. Giving false reassurance or imposing religious beliefs does not address the patient’s feelings and may shut down communication.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.