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 C
Explanation
A. African American females, especially with strong religious affiliation and social ties, have a lower risk of suicide compared to other demographics.
B. Adolescents may have suicidal ideation under stress, but the protective factors (academic and athletic success, no indication of psychiatric illness) lower the risk.
C. Older white males are at the highest statistical risk for suicide, especially when compounded by chronic illness, terminal diagnosis, social isolation (single), and depression.
D. Despite chronic illness (type 2 diabetes), protective factors such as being married and having many grandchildren reduce suicide risk.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
A. Hypothermia (35.3°C/96.5°F) is dangerous and requires immediate intervention to prevent worsening metabolic and cardiovascular instability.
B. Slow respiratory rate (10/min), wheezes, crackles, productive cough, and hypoxemia (SpO₂ 90% on room air) indicate respiratory compromise and possible impending failure.
C. Although very high, it confirms intoxication but does not require immediate reporting compared to life-threatening findings.
D. Important for discharge planning and social work involvement, but not an immediate medical priority.
E. Hypotension (88/66 mmHg) threatens organ perfusion and needs urgent management.
F. Malnutrition is significant but not an immediate emergency compared to airway, breathing, circulation, and temperature concerns.
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