A nurse is admitting a patient to the medical unit who has a history of alcohol use disorder. The nurse should be aware of which of the following potential long-term physiological effects on the patient's body? (Select all that apply)

Cirrhosis

Heightened awareness

Gastritis

Brain damage

Esophageal varices

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,C,D,E

Choice A reason:
Cirrhosis is a severe scarring of the liver and poor liver function seen at the terminal stages of chronic liver disease. It is one of the primary long-term effects of alcohol use disorder, as the liver is the main organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation, liver cell death, and eventually cirrhosis, which significantly impairs the liver's ability to function properly.

Choice B reason:
Heightened awareness is not typically a long-term physiological effect of alcohol use disorder. In fact, chronic alcohol use is more likely to dull cognitive functions and reduce awareness due to its depressive effects on the central nervous system.

Choice C reason:
Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, is another potential long-term effect of alcohol use disorder. Alcohol can irritate and erode the gastric mucosa, leading to gastritis, which may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Choice D reason:
Brain damage is a serious long-term effect of alcohol use disorder. Alcohol can cause changes in the brain, leading to problems with cognition, memory, and motor skills. Chronic exposure to alcohol can result in brain shrinkage and the development of conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Choice E reason:
Esophageal varices are enlarged veins in the esophagus that can occur as a result of portal hypertension, often due to cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcohol use disorder. They are a significant risk because they can rupture and lead to life-threatening bleeding.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Caffeine is not typically associated with liver cirrhosis. While excessive consumption of caffeine can have various health implications, it is not considered a direct cause of liver cirrhosis. The liver metabolizes caffeine without significant damage or scarring to the liver tissue.

Choice B reason:
Alcohol is the primary cause of liver cirrhosis in many cases. Chronic alcohol abuse leads to liver damage and subsequent scarring, known as cirrhosis. The liver's function is to process and filter toxins, including alcohol. Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption overwhelms the liver's ability to process it, leading to inflammation, damage, and eventually scarring of the liver tissue.

Choice C reason:
Inhalants are substances that produce chemical vapors that can be inhaled to induce a psychoactive, or mind-altering, effect. While they can cause a range of acute and chronic health issues, including damage to the heart, kidneys, lungs, and brain, they are not commonly associated with liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis is not a typical consequence of inhalant use.

Choice D reason:
Cocaine use can lead to various health problems, including cardiovascular and neurological issues, but it is not commonly identified as a primary cause of liver cirrhosis. Cocaine metabolites can be toxic to the liver; however, the direct causation of cirrhosis from cocaine alone is less established compared to alcohol-related liver disease.

A. Missing a dose of medication that increases serotonin levels B. Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medication C. Taking serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) as directed D. Combining medications that increase serotonin levels

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Missing a dose of medication that increases serotonin levels does not typically increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. In fact, missing a dose may lead to lower levels of serotonin in the body, which is contrary to the condition of serotonin syndrome that arises from an excess of serotonin.

Choice B reason:

Taking MAOI medication alone does not inherently increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. However, combining MAOIs with other medications that affect serotonin levels can significantly increase the risk. It is crucial to avoid taking MAOIs and other serotonergic drugs concurrently without medical supervision.

Choice C reason:

Taking SNRIs as directed by a healthcare provider generally does not increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. These medications are designed to be taken regularly to manage conditions like anxiety and depression. However, any changes in dosage or frequency should be done under medical guidance to avoid any adverse effects.

Choice D reason:

Combining medications that increase serotonin levels is the primary risk factor for developing serotonin syndrome. This can occur when a patient takes multiple serotonergic drugs, such as combining an SNRI with an SSRI, certain pain medications, or even some over-the-counter drugs and supplements that increase serotonin levels. This combination can lead to an excessive accumulation of serotonin in the body, triggering the symptoms of serotonin syndrome.

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A nurse is admitting a patient to the medical unit who has a history of alcohol use disorder. The nurse should be aware of which of the following potential long-term physiological effects on the patient's body? (Select all that apply)

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is teaching a community education course about the physical complications related to substance use disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the primary cause of liver cirrhosis?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Duloxetine, are used for generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the following increases the risk for the client developing serotonin syndrome?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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