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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
choice C, "I have heard that abusers think of themselves as important and have high self-esteem." This statement is incorrect and shows the nurse may need further education on the characteristics of an abuser. Abusers often lack self-esteem and feel powerless, using abuse as a way to gain control and confidence. Choices A, B, and D are all accurate statements and do not indicate the need for further education.

For choice A, abusers often isolate their partner to gain control over them. For choice B, abusers may lack social support and social skills, leading to violent behavior.
For choice D, abusers use intimidation tactics to maintain power in the relationship.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
"The client learns to change negative thoughts into positive statements." This demonstrates the effective use of cognitive reframing, which involves changing negative thoughts into positive self-talk. This strategy can help to reduce stress and improve coping skills.
Choice A, "The client imagines being in a quiet, relaxing environment," is not an example of cognitive reframing, but rather an example of visualization, which can also be useful in reducing stress.
Choice B, "The client trains his mind to relax by using deep inner resources," is not an example of cognitive reframing, but rather an example of relaxation training.
Choice D, "The client learns the source of his stress by writing down daily events," is not an example of cognitive reframing, but rather an example of stress management through self-reflection.
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