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. A family member of the client:
Using a family member might seem like a natural choice, but it could lead to issues of confidentiality, especially if the client does not want their family to know about their situation. Moreover, there could be bias or hesitancy to discuss certain matters in the presence of a family member.
B. A translator of the same gender as the client:
This choice is ideal because individuals might feel more comfortable discussing personal and sensitive topics with someone of the same gender due to cultural or personal reasons. This can foster trust and open communication, crucial in support groups addressing sensitive matters like substance use disorders.
C. A unit secretary who speaks the same language as the client:
While this person might be fluent in the language, their role as a unit secretary might create discomfort for the client. They may not feel as at ease discussing personal issues with someone in a different professional role, even if they share the same language.
D. Another client who speaks the same language as the client:
While peer support can be beneficial, using another client as a translator can compromise the confidentiality and professionalism of the support group. It’s important to maintain boundaries and ensure that communication is facilitated by a professional translator or staff member, especially in sensitive and confidential settings like therapy or support groups.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Did you experience any childhood trauma?"
Childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, can contribute to various mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety disorders. While trauma can impact a person's mental health, it does not directly assess the risk for alcohol use disorder.
B. "Are you the result of a twin birth?"
Being a twin or the result of multiple births does not inherently indicate a risk for alcohol use disorder. This question is related to an individual's birth status and has no direct connection to the assessment of alcohol-related issues.
C. "Have you ever purposefully lost a job?"
This is the correct choice. Purposefully losing a job might indicate behavioral issues related to alcohol misuse or impairment. Individuals with alcohol use disorder may engage in behaviors that lead to job loss, such as absenteeism, poor performance, or conflict at the workplace due to alcohol consumption.
D. "Did your parent have a viral infection while pregnant with you?"
Prenatal viral infections can potentially affect fetal development and lead to certain health conditions. However, this question is not directly related to the risk of alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder is primarily influenced by environmental factors, genetic predisposition, and individual behaviors related to alcohol consumption. Prenatal viral infections are not a typical indicator of alcohol-related concerns.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.