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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. The client follows a strict routine of daily activities:
This choice is less likely to be a risk factor for borderline personality disorder. BPD is characterized by impulsivity and difficulties in maintaining stable routines or relationships. Individuals with BPD often struggle with adhering to strict routines due to impulsive behaviors and emotional dysregulation.
B. The client reports having a substance use disorder:
Individuals with borderline personality disorder often struggle with impulse control and emotional regulation. Substance use can be a way for them to cope with intense emotions and mood swings. The presence of a substance use disorder can indicate a higher risk for borderline personality disorder due to these coping mechanisms.
C. The client is a twin:
Being a twin, in itself, is not a direct risk factor for borderline personality disorder. However, if there are genetic or environmental factors contributing to the disorder, both twins might be at risk due to shared genetic material and upbringing. It's essential to consider the specific familial and environmental context when assessing the risk in twins.
D. The client's mother abandoned him as a child:
Early childhood experiences play a significant role in the development of personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder. Abandonment, neglect, or other forms of trauma can disrupt a child's sense of security and trust, leading to difficulties in regulating emotions and forming stable relationships later in life.
E. The client's father has an impulse control disorder:
Growing up in an environment where a parent has an impulse control disorder can create an unstable living situation. Inconsistent parenting and unpredictable behaviors can contribute to emotional instability and difficulties in regulating impulses, which are hallmark features of borderline personality disorder.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Obtain a prescription for restraints on an as-needed basis:
Restraints should never be used on an as-needed basis without a specific, individualized order from a healthcare provider. Restraints are a significant intervention that should only be used when necessary, and they require a clear prescription outlining the duration, reason, and method of application.
B. Have the provider assess the client within 1 hour after applying the restraints:
This option is the correct choice. It is crucial to involve the healthcare provider promptly after restraints are applied. The provider needs to assess the patient's physical and mental status, and the appropriateness of the restraints, and consider alternatives or modifications to the intervention. Regular assessments ensure the patient's safety and well-being while addressing the initial reason for applying restraints.
C. Request that the provider renew the prescription for restraints every 8 hours:
Restraining a patient every 8 hours without ongoing assessment and a clear clinical rationale is inappropriate and goes against best practices. Restraints should only be used when absolutely necessary and should be reevaluated frequently. Requesting a renewal on a fixed schedule without considering the patient's changing condition is not a safe or ethical approach.
D. Evaluate the client hourly while the restraints are applied:
While regular monitoring of a patient in restraints is essential, evaluating the patient every hour might not be sufficient, especially in the early stages after the application of restraints. The patient should be continuously monitored, with assessments conducted more frequently, especially immediately after applying the restraints, to ensure their safety and well-being.
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