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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B: Maintain a nonjudgmental attitude.
Choice A rationale:
Verbalize disapproval of the client's substance abuse. Expressing disapproval can create a negative environment and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Judgmental attitudes can make clients feel defensive and less likely to open up about their struggles.
Choice B rationale:
Maintain a nonjudgmental attitude. Maintaining a nonjudgmental attitude is crucial in building trust and rapport with clients. It creates an environment where clients feel safe discussing their issues without fear of criticism. A nonjudgmental attitude encourages open communication and helps the nurse gather relevant information to provide appropriate care.
Choice C rationale:
Offer sympathetic support. While offering support is important, sympathy might inadvertently convey pity or enable the client's behavior. Empathy, where the nurse understands and shares the client's feelings without judgment, is more effective in building a therapeutic relationship.
Choice D rationale:
Avoid displaying an emotional response. While it's important for the nurse to maintain professionalism, avoiding any emotional response might come across as cold or detached. Expressing appropriate empathy and emotions can actually enhance the therapeutic relationship.
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.
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