A nurse is caring for a client who begins showing signs of alcohol withdrawal delirium. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer?
Methadone
Acamprosate
Disulfiram
Lorazepam
The Correct Answer is D
A. Methadone is an opioid agonist primarily used for the management of opioid dependence and chronic pain. It is not indicated for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal or delirium.
B. Acamprosate is a medication used to support abstinence in individuals who have recently stopped drinking alcohol. It is not typically used to manage acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as delirium tremens.
C. Disulfiram is a medication used as an aversive therapy to deter alcohol consumption by causing unpleasant reactions (e.g., flushing, nausea, vomiting) when alcohol is ingested. It is not indicated for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal or delirium.
D. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including delirium tremens. It acts by enhancing the inhibitory effects of gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system, thereby reducing the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal such as seizures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, is known to cause drowsiness and sedation as a common side effect. Patients should be advised to avoid activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until they understand how the medication affects them.
B. Even a single dose of diazepam can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Patients should be aware of potential side effects regardless of the number of doses taken.
C. While grapefruit juice can interact with certain medications by affecting their metabolism, it doesn't directly inactivate diazepam. However, it may increase the risk of side effects by altering the metabolism of the medication, leading to higher blood levels.
D. Tyramine is not typically a concern with diazepam. Tyramine-containing foods are more relevant in the context of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a different class of medications used to treat depression.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Abruptly stopping alprazolam can lead to withdrawal symptoms, and abdominal discomfort alone may not necessarily indicate a need for immediate cessation of the medication.
B. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine with sedative properties, so drowsiness and light- headedness are common side effects. Patients should be cautious when engaging in activities requiring alertness, such as driving, while taking alprazolam.
C. Alcohol should be avoided while taking alprazolam due to the potential for increased sedation and central nervous system depression. However, it does not directly affect the effectiveness of the medication.
D. Alprazolam, like other benzodiazepines, has a high potential for physical dependence, and abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Patients should be informed about the risk of dependence and the need for gradual tapering if discontinuation becomes necessary.
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