A nurse is caring for a client who is taking disulfiram for alcohol use disorder and reports ingestion of alcohol.
For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?
Headache.
Hypertension.
Tinnitus.
Insomnia.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Headache is a common adverse effect of disulfiram when alcohol is consumed. It is part of the adverse reaction created by the drug to deter individuals from drinking. While headache is a known symptom, tinnitus is a more specific and distinctive adverse effect associated with disulfiram use.
Choice B rationale:
Hypertension is not a common adverse effect of disulfiram. Disulfiram does not directly impact blood pressure. Its primary action is to cause an adverse reaction when alcohol is consumed.
Choice C rationale:
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is a known adverse effect of disulfiram when alcohol is ingested. Disulfiram inhibits the breakdown of acetaldehyde, leading to an accumulation of this toxic substance in the body. Tinnitus is one of the symptoms of this toxic reaction and is a significant concern in individuals taking disulfiram for alcohol use disorder.
Choice D rationale:
Insomnia is not a common adverse effect of disulfiram. Disulfiram works by creating an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed, which deters individuals from drinking. This reaction does not typically manifest as insomnia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Sitting on the bed next to the client may infringe on the client's personal space and comfort.
B. Correct. Sitting in a chair next to the bed at the client's eye level helps establish a more comfortable and empathetic interaction.
C. Incorrect. Standing at the side of the bed may be perceived as less engaging and could create a power dynamic.
D. Incorrect. Standing at the foot of the bed may be uncomfortable for the client and may impede effective communication.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
An increase in heart rate by 10 beats per minute when moving from a supine to a sitting position is a normal physiological response to compensate for decreased venous return and maintain cardiac output. This response does not indicate orthostatic hypotension.
Choice B rationale:
An increase in diastolic blood pressure by 10 mm Hg when moving from a supine to a sitting position is a normal response to compensate for the effects of gravity on blood flow. It helps maintain perfusion to vital organs and does not indicate orthostatic hypotension.
Choice C rationale:
Heart palpitations can occur due to various reasons, including anxiety or arrhythmias, but they are not specific signs of orthostatic hypotension. This symptom alone does not confirm the presence of orthostatic hypotension.
Choice D rationale:
A decrease in systolic blood pressure by 25 mm Hg or more when moving from a supine to a sitting position indicates orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or more or a drop in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg or more within 3 minutes of standing up. This condition can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting and can be a side effect of antihypertensive medications or other underlying medical conditions.
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