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
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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Walking with the client at a gradually slower pace is a therapeutic technique that can help reduce anxiety. It allows the nurse to provide a calming presence and support while also helping to decrease the client's physical agitation in a controlled manner. This approach is non-confrontational and can be very effective in managing acute anxiety symptoms.
Choice B reason:
Having a staff member escort the client to her room might seem like a reasonable option, but it could be perceived as punitive or isolating, especially if the client is not posing a risk to themselves or others. It may also escalate the client's anxiety by making them feel confined or punished.
Choice C reason:
Instructing the client to sit down and stop pacing is not advisable as it may come across as dismissive of the client's distress. It could also increase the client's anxiety by making them feel that their coping mechanism (pacing) is not acceptable, which could lead to increased agitation or resistance.
Choice D reason:
Allowing the client to pace alone until physically tired is not the best option as it does not provide any direct support or intervention from the nurse. While pacing may be a self-soothing behavior, it does not address the underlying anxiety and could potentially lead to physical exhaustion without any emotional relief.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While giving the family an opportunity to talk about their feelings is important, it is not the immediate priority for staff intervention following the incident. The family's needs are crucial, but the question specifically asks about the staff's follow-up actions.
Choice B reason:
Investigating and identifying cues in the client's behavior that might have indicated contemplation of suicide is a critical step in understanding and preventing future incidents. However, this is more of a retrospective action and not the immediate priority for staff intervention after such an event.
Choice C reason:
Providing professional counseling for staff members is the priority intervention. Staff members may experience a range of emotions, including grief, guilt, and trauma, following a client's suicide. Professional counseling can support staff in processing these feelings and prevent potential long-term psychological effects.
Choice D reason:
Changing policies for staff observation of clients who are suicidal may be necessary, but it is not the immediate priority following the incident. Policy review and changes are part of a longer-term strategy to improve care and prevent future incidents.
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