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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a life-threatening drop in white blood cells, leaving the client highly vulnerable to infection. Flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, malaise) may be early warning signs and require immediate provider notification and WBC count monitoring.
B. Olanzapine commonly causes orthostatic hypotension. Dizziness when standing is expected early in treatment and can often be managed with slow position changes, not an emergency.
C. Thioridazine, like many antipsychotics, can cause sedation. Daytime drowsiness is a common side effect and not urgent.
D. Chlorpromazine may cause GI upset such as nausea and vomiting. While bothersome, it is not immediately life-threatening unless severe or persistent.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Heroin is an opioid, which causes central nervous system depression, leading to drowsiness, miosis (pinpoint pupils), and slurred speech.
B. These are more typical of stimulant use such as cocaine or methamphetamine, not heroin.
C. These are withdrawal symptoms of opioids, not effects immediately following injection.
D. These are associated with stimulant intoxication or withdrawal, not opioid intoxication.
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