A nurse is caring for a client who has alcohol use disorder and is experiencing acute withdrawal. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer first?
Naltrexone
Disulfiram
Lorazepam
Acamprosate
The Correct Answer is C
A. Naltrexone:
Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. It blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol in the brain. It's often used as part of a long-term treatment plan to prevent relapse in individuals who have already stopped drinking and are trying to maintain sobriety. Naltrexone does not directly manage acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Instead, it helps individuals reduce or quit drinking over the long term by reducing the pleasure associated with alcohol consumption.
B. Disulfiram:
Disulfiram is an aversion therapy medication used as a deterrent to drinking. When someone taking disulfiram consumes alcohol, it causes unpleasant physical reactions, such as nausea, flushing, and palpitations. This discourages individuals from drinking while they are on the medication. Disulfiram is not used to manage acute withdrawal symptoms but rather serves as a deterrent to drinking for individuals who are trying to maintain sobriety.
C. Lorazepam:
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine medication that acts as a central nervous system depressant. It is commonly used to manage acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam help to reduce anxiety, agitation, and the risk of seizures associated with alcohol withdrawal. They are typically used in a controlled manner to provide relief during the acute phase of withdrawal.
D. Acamprosate:
Acamprosate is used in the maintenance phase of alcohol use disorder treatment. It helps individuals maintain abstinence by stabilizing the chemical imbalances in the brain that occur after prolonged alcohol use. Acamprosate is not used for acute withdrawal management but is instead prescribed to support individuals who have already stopped drinking and are trying to avoid relapse over the long term.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Discuss the provider's goals for the client's care:
Discussing the provider's goals is essential, but it may not directly address the client's concerns about medication adherence. While these goals are important for the overall care plan, it's crucial to first engage in a conversation with the client about their specific issues and challenges related to taking the prescribed medication. The client's perspective and concerns should be a priority.
B. Ask the client if the medication is causing adverse effects:
This is the recommended choice. Inquiring about adverse effects is important to understand the client's experience with the medication. Some clients may discontinue their medication due to intolerable side effects. By addressing this concern, the nurse can provide education, seek potential solutions, and collaborate with the healthcare team to adjust the medication or dosage. Open communication helps to identify and mitigate barriers to medication adherence.
C. Tell the client they will be admitted to an inpatient care facility if they do not take the medication:
This choice involves a coercive and threatening approach. It's not an ethical or therapeutic method to promote medication adherence. Threatening involuntary hospitalization can create fear and mistrust, potentially leading to further non-compliance and damaging the therapeutic relationship. It should be avoided.
D. Request the provider prescribe a second antipsychotic medication to the client:
This option is not appropriate at this stage. Adding another medication without addressing the underlying issue of non-adherence and without assessing the client's response to the current medication is not advisable. It can complicate the medication regimen, potentially worsen side effects, and doesn't address the primary concern, which is the client's non-adherence to their current medication. It's important to understand the reasons for non-adherence before considering additional medications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "You should leave your partner if you feel your life is in danger."
While leaving an abusive relationship is often necessary for safety, this statement might oversimplify a complex situation. Safety planning should be individualized and may involve various steps, not just immediate departure.
B. "You do not deserve to live in fear of your partner."
This statement validates the client's feelings and emphasizes their right to live without fear. It empowers the client and encourages self-worth.
C. "You need to tell your partner that you intend to leave the relationship."
Telling an abusive partner about the intention to leave can escalate the situation and put the client at risk. Safety planning usually involves not disclosing plans until the client is in a safe environment.
D. "It is important to learn to diffuse your partner's anger."
This statement places the responsibility for the abusive behavior on the victim, which is not appropriate. Victims of abuse are not responsible for the actions of their abusers. The focus should be on their safety and well-being.
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