A nurse is teaching a community education course about the physical complications related to substance use disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse include in the discussion as a health risk of heroin use?
Nasal septum perforation
Slowed breathing
Acute pancreatitis
Permanent short-term memory loss
The Correct Answer is B
Heroin is an opioid drug that depresses the central nervous system, which can lead to respiratory depression. This means that heroin can slow down a person's breathing rate, potentially leading to shallow breathing or even stopping of breathing altogether. This is a life-threatening complication and one of the most significant dangers of heroin use.
The other options listed are associated with other substances or conditions:
A- Nasal septum perforation is commonly associated with the use of cocaine, not heroin.
C- Acute pancreatitis is not a commonly reported complication of heroin use.
D- Permanent short-term memory loss is not a specific complication of heroin use, though chronic substance abuse can lead to cognitive impairments and memory problems in general.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Anxiety and diaphoresis: Alcohol withdrawal commonly presents with symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis). These symptoms are due to the central nervous system's hyperactivity caused by the sudden cessation of alcohol intake.
Incorrect:
B- Muscle aches and chills: Muscle aches and chills are not typical manifestations of alcohol withdrawal. These symptoms are more commonly associated with opioid withdrawal rather than alcohol withdrawal.
C- Fatigue and depression: Fatigue and depression are common symptoms during alcohol withdrawal. The client may feel tired, lack energy, and experience a low mood due to the neurochemical imbalances that occur during withdrawal.
D- Arrhythmia and respiratory depression: While alcohol withdrawal can lead to some cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, severe arrhythmia and respiratory depression are not typical findings. These more severe symptoms may indicate a more severe withdrawal syndrome or coexisting medical conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Tremors: This choice is correct. Tremors or muscle twitching can be expected in a client experiencing acute cocaine toxicity. Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that can cause overstimulation of muscles, resulting in tremors.
Incorrect:
A- Hypothermia: This choice is incorrect. Acute cocaine toxicity is associated with an increase in body temperature (hyperthermia) rather than a decrease (hypothermia). Cocaine is a stimulant that can cause the body to overheat, leading to hyperthermia, which is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention.
B- Hypotension: This choice is incorrect. Cocaine is a stimulant that increases blood pressure and heart rate, leading to hypertension (high blood pressure), not hypotension (low blood pressure). Hypertension is a common cardiovascular effect of cocaine use.
D- Respiratory depression: This choice is incorrect. Respiratory depression, which is a slowing of the respiratory rate and depth, is more commonly associated with depressant drugs like opioids or benzodiazepines. As a stimulant, cocaine tends to have the opposite effect, leading to increased respiratory rate (tachypnea) and sometimes hyperventilation.
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