A nurse is preparing to provide a change-of-shift report. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the report?

Rationale:

A. "I should avoid over-the-counter medications that contain alcohol.": Disulfiram causes an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed, even in small amounts. Clients must avoid alcohol-containing products such as certain cough syrups, mouthwashes, and topical solutions to prevent serious adverse effects like flushing, nausea, and hypotension.

B. "I will need to get a monthly injection of this medication.": Disulfiram is an oral medication taken daily, not administered via monthly injection. The injectable form is associated with other medications used in substance use disorder treatment, such as naltrexone.

C. "My provider wants me to take this medication for 2 weeks before I try to quit drinking.": Disulfiram is intended for clients who have already stopped drinking. It is not used to initiate abstinence but to maintain it by discouraging alcohol use through aversive effects.

D. "I will plan to continue taking this medication for at least 5 years.": The duration of disulfiram therapy varies based on the client’s progress and treatment plan. Long-term use beyond 1–2 years is uncommon and typically guided by continued risk of relapse and provider judgment.

Rationale:

A. Auscultation: This step is performed after inspection and before percussion or palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds. It allows the nurse to assess for the presence, frequency, and character of bowel sounds without stimulating them artificially.

B. Inspection: This is the first step in the abdominal assessment. It involves visually examining the abdomen for contour, symmetry, skin changes, pulsations, or visible masses without touching the patient, helping establish a baseline.

C. Palpation: Palpation is the final step in abdominal assessment to prevent interference with bowel sounds. It allows the nurse to detect tenderness, masses, or organ enlargement, but should only be done after auscultation and percussion.

D. Percussion: This is done after auscultation and provides information on underlying structures, such as gas, fluid, or masses. It helps differentiate between dullness, resonance, or tympany across abdominal quadrants.