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?

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Serotonin syndrome: The client presents with restlessness, fever, abdominal pain, and disorientation all classic signs of serotonin syndrome. These symptoms developed after a recent dose increase of a serotonergic medication, indicating a likely adverse drug reaction.
• Adverse effects of paroxetine: Paroxetine, an SSRI, can cause serotonin syndrome, especially when recently increased or combined with other serotonergic agents. The timing of the dose escalation aligns with the emergence of the client’s acute symptoms.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Psychosis: While disorientation is present, there is no evidence of hallucinations, delusions, or loss of reality testing, which are essential features of psychosis.
• Mania: The client does not show signs of elevated mood, grandiosity, pressured speech, or risky behavior, which are typical of mania.
• Anxiety: Although anxiety is part of the client’s history, the sudden onset of fever and autonomic instability points more clearly to a toxic reaction rather than worsening anxiety.
• Fluoxetine discontinuation: Fluoxetine has a long half-life, and discontinuation typically causes delayed withdrawal symptoms like dizziness or mood swings not the acute systemic symptoms noted here.

Rationale:

A. "I will drink half of a cup of fruit juice when I feel shaky and weak.": Shakiness and weakness are early signs of low blood glucose, and consuming 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate like ½ cup of fruit juice is an appropriate immediate response.

B. "I will soak my feet in water before applying lotion between my toes.": Diabetic clients should avoid soaking their feet due to the risk of skin maceration and infection. Lotion should not be applied between the toes, as this can promote fungal growth in a moist environment.

C. "I will skip a snack if I'm not hungry after lunch.": Skipping snacks can lead to hypoglycemia, especially if insulin has been administered. Even when not hungry, small carbohydrate intake may be necessary depending on the insulin regimen and activity level.

D. "I will only go without socks and shoes when I am in my home.": Diabetic clients should always wear protective footwear, even at home, to avoid undetected foot injuries that can lead to ulcers or infections due to impaired sensation and circulation.