A nurse is admitting a client who has an alcohol use disorder. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Determine the client's degree of physical dependence.

Discuss the treatment plan with the client.

Document the client's alcohol use in the medical record.

Initiate a referral for treatment for alcohol use disorder.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Determine the client's degree of physical dependence:
This action is important but usually comes after the initial assessment and documentation. Assessing the degree of physical dependence involves evaluating the client's withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, and other physical health parameters. It helps in planning the appropriate level of care, such as detoxification if needed.

B. Discuss the treatment plan with the client:
While discussing the treatment plan is crucial, it's typically done after gathering essential information about the client's alcohol use, medical history, and current condition. The treatment plan is tailored based on the gathered data, which includes documenting the client's alcohol use.

C. Document the client's alcohol use in the medical record:
This is the first step because it provides a formal record of the client's alcohol use history, including patterns and any associated complications. Documenting this information helps in comprehensive care planning and ensures that all healthcare providers involved in the client's treatment have accurate and up-to-date information.

D. Initiate a referral for treatment for alcohol use disorder:
Referrals are essential, but they usually follow the initial assessment and documentation. The referral process involves connecting the client with appropriate resources, such as addiction specialists, counselors, or support groups, based on the documented information and the client's needs.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Contact a close relative of the client to discuss the discharge plan:
Involving close relatives or a support system can be beneficial for the client's recovery. However, it's crucial to respect the client's confidentiality and privacy. In some cases, clients might not want their relatives involved or might not have a supportive family environment, so this option should be approached cautiously and with the client's consent.

B. Refer the client to a self-help group:
This is a highly recommended action. Self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide a supportive environment where individuals with alcohol use disorder can share their experiences and coping strategies. These groups can significantly contribute to maintaining sobriety after rehabilitation.

C. Request a discharge prescription for buprenorphine for the client:
Buprenorphine is typically used to treat opioid use disorder, not alcohol use disorder. Medications like disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate are more commonly prescribed to help individuals manage alcohol cravings and maintain abstinence. However, the choice of medication should be individualized and determined by a healthcare provider based on the client's specific needs and medical history.

D. Teach the client to practice systematic desensitization:
Systematic desensitization is a therapeutic technique used to treat phobias and anxieties by gradually exposing individuals to their fears in a controlled and safe manner. While it can be helpful for addressing anxiety-related issues, it's not a standard treatment for alcohol use disorder. Therapeutic interventions for alcohol use disorder often focus on behavioral therapies, counseling, and support groups.

A. Pseudoephedrine B. Docusate sodium C. Ranitidine D. Ibuprofen

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Pseudoephedrine
Clients taking phenelzine, which is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used to treat depression, need to avoid certain over-the-counter medications, especially those containing sympathomimetic amines like pseudoephedrine. Combining MAOIs with sympathomimetic medications can lead to a severe increase in blood pressure, potentially causing a hypertensive crisis.

B. Docusate sodium:
Docusate sodium is a stool softener and is generally safe to use with phenelzine. It does not have significant interactions with MAOIs.

C. Ranitidine:
Ranitidine is an H2 blocker used to reduce stomach acid production. It does not have significant interactions with phenelzine.

D. Ibuprofen:
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation. While it does not interact directly with phenelzine, individuals taking phenelzine should avoid other medications, especially NSAIDs, that can increase the risk of bleeding due to phenelzine's effects on platelet function. However, this interaction is not as severe as the interaction between phenelzine and sympathomimetic medications like pseudoephedrine.

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A nurse is admitting a client who has an alcohol use disorder. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

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