A nurse is providing medication teaching about disulfiram for a client who has alcohol use disorder. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"I will plan to continue taking this medication for at least 5 years."
"My provider wants me to take this medication for 2 weeks before I try to quit drinking."
"I should avoid over-the-counter medications that contain alcohol."
"I will need to get a monthly injection of this medication."
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. "I will plan to continue taking this medication for at least 5 years.": Disulfiram therapy is not prescribed for a fixed duration such as 5 years. The length of treatment depends on the client’s motivation and response, typically continuing until long-term abstinence is maintained.
B. "My provider wants me to take this medication for 2 weeks before I try to quit drinking.": Disulfiram must be started only after the client has abstained from alcohol for at least 12 hours, not before quitting. Taking it while alcohol is still in the system can trigger severe reactions such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, and hypotension.
C. "I should avoid over-the-counter medications that contain alcohol.": Even small amounts of alcohol—such as in cough syrups, mouthwash, or sauces—can cause a dangerous disulfiram-alcohol reaction. Clients must avoid all alcohol-containing products.
D. "I will need to get a monthly injection of this medication.": Disulfiram is taken orally, usually once daily, and does not come in injectable form. The injectable medication used for alcohol dependence is naltrexone (Vivitrol).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Inspection: Visual examination of the abdomen is the first step, allowing the nurse to observe contour, skin changes, and symmetry without disturbing underlying structures.
B. Auscultation: Listening for bowel and vascular sounds is performed after inspection and before palpation or percussion to avoid artificially altering bowel activity.
C. Palpation: Palpation is the final step in an abdominal assessment because pressing on the abdomen can alter bowel sounds or cause discomfort. It is performed last to prevent interference with earlier assessment steps.
D. Percussion: Percussion provides information about organ size, fluid, and gas presence and is performed after auscultation but before palpation to avoid disturbing bowel sounds.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Zolpidem: Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic used for insomnia and does not have known interactions with saw palmetto. It primarily affects the central nervous system and does not influence platelet activity or coagulation pathways.
B. Ipratropium: Ipratropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator used for respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma. It does not interact with saw palmetto, as the herb mainly affects hormonal and coagulation pathways rather than respiratory medications.
C. Clopidogrel: Saw palmetto can potentiate the effects of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications like clopidogrel, increasing the risk of bleeding. The herb exhibits mild antiplatelet activity, which can lead to additive effects and potential hemorrhagic complications when combined with platelet inhibitors.
D. Penicillin: Penicillin is an antibiotic with no pharmacologic interaction with saw palmetto. The herb does not interfere with antibacterial mechanisms or alter antibiotic metabolism, making concurrent use safe from an interaction standpoint.
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