A nurse is caring for a client who has an alcohol use disorder and is experiencing withdrawal. Which of the following interventions is the nurse's priority?
Identify the use of defense mechanisms.
Prevent the client from harming herself or others.
Support the client's coping skills.
The Correct Answer is B
Prevent the client from harming herself or others. Withdrawal from alcohol can lead to autonomic hyperactivity and is most concerning when it involves seizures, deliriums tremens, and hallucinations which can be potentially life-threatening. Therefore, the nurse's priority when caring for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal is to prevent harm to the client by implementing seizure precautions and monitoring the client's vital signs.
Choice A, identifying the use of defense mechanisms, is an important aspect of treatment but can be addressed later.
Choice C, supporting the client's coping skills, is not a priority intervention.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A therapeutic response to the client's statement would be to acknowledge that the client feels helpless about the behavior. The nurse should avoid judging or criticizing the client and instead focus on offering support and empathy.
Options A and B are not therapeutic because they are confrontational and may make the client defensive. Option C is a well-intentioned but empty statement that does not offer any practical support or guidance to the client.
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
"I call a friend who makes me smile and laugh," and "I tense and release my muscles, starting with my feet." These are adaptive coping strategies that help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Calling a friend who makes you smile and laugh, for example, can help to distract from negative thoughts and promote positive emotions. Tense and release exercises can help to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
Choice A, "I sleep in in the mornings," is not an adaptive coping strategy because it doesn't address the source of stress and may actually lead to avoidance.
Choice B, "I isolate myself in my room for a few hours when things get overwhelming," is not adaptive because it promotes social withdrawal and avoidance.
Choice D, "I think about being on my favorite beach vacation," is not adaptive because it promotes avoidance and doesn't address the source of stress.
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