A nurse on the medical unit is admitting a client with a history of alcohol use disorder. The nurse is aware that which of the following are potential physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal? (Select all that apply.).
Tachycardia.
Tremors.
Hallucinations.
Hypotension.
Seizures.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
Choice A rationale:
Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is a potential physical symptom of alcohol withdrawal. When alcohol-dependent individuals suddenly stop or reduce their alcohol intake, it can lead to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, resulting in elevated heart rate.
Choice B rationale:
Tremors (shakes) are common during alcohol withdrawal due to the suppression of the central nervous system by alcohol. Abrupt cessation of alcohol can lead to overactivity in the nervous system, resulting in tremors.
Choice C rationale:
Hallucinations can occur during alcohol withdrawal and are usually visual or tactile in nature. These hallucinations are often referred to as alcoholic hallucinosis and can be distressing for the individual experiencing them.
Choice E rationale:
Seizures can be a severe consequence of alcohol withdrawal. Known as alcohol withdrawal seizures, these episodes can occur within the first 48 hours after cessation of heavy alcohol consumption and are attributed to the hyperexcitability of the central nervous system.
Choice D rationale:
Hypotension (low blood pressure) is not typically associated with alcohol withdrawal. In fact, alcohol withdrawal often leads to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate due to the hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Bizarre behavior is not a negative symptom of schizophrenia but rather a positive symptom. Positive symptoms involve an excess or distortion of normal functioning and include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech or behavior. Bizarre behavior falls under the category of disorganized behavior, which is a positive symptom.
Choice B rationale:
Waxy flexibility is a characteristic of negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Negative symptoms involve a reduction or loss of normal functioning and include behaviors like social withdrawal, reduced emotional expression, and decreased motivation. Waxy flexibility refers to the phenomenon where a person with schizophrenia can be molded into different positions and maintain those positions for an extended period. This rigidity is a manifestation of reduced spontaneous movement, which is a negative symptom.
Choice C rationale:
Somatic delusions are a type of positive symptom seen in schizophrenia. These delusions involve false beliefs about one's body, health, or bodily functions. They are not negative symptoms, which are characterized by deficits in normal functioning.
Choice D rationale:
Illogicality is related to disorganized thinking, which is a positive symptom of schizophrenia. Individuals experiencing disorganized thinking may have difficulty organizing their thoughts coherently and logically, leading to speech that is difficult to follow. Negative symptoms, on the other hand, involve a decrease in normal functioning and do not pertain to logical coherence.
Correct Answer is ["A", "B", "E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Tremors. Rationale: Tremors can be a withdrawal symptom associated with alcohol withdrawal. These tremors are often referred to as "alcohol shakes" and are a result of the central nervous system adapting to the sudden absence of alcohol.
Choice B rationale:
Insomnia. Rationale: Insomnia is a common withdrawal symptom during alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, and when a person stops drinking, their sleep cycle may be disturbed, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Choice C rationale:
Severe hypotension. Rationale: Severe hypotension, or very low blood pressure, is not a prominent withdrawal symptom of alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to an increase in blood pressure rather than severe hypotension.
Choice D rationale:
Hyperglycemia. Rationale: Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is not a direct withdrawal symptom of alcohol. However, chronic alcohol use can affect blood sugar regulation over time. During acute withdrawal, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is more common due to altered metabolism.
Choice E rationale:
Visual hallucinations. Rationale: This statement is correct. Visual hallucinations can occur during alcohol withdrawal and are often indicative of a more severe withdrawal syndrome known as delirium tremens (DTs). DTs can include visual hallucinations, confusion, agitation, and autonomic hyperactivity.
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