The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client whose urine drug screen is positive for cocaine. Which behavior is this client likely to exhibit during cocaine withdrawal?
Elevated energy level.
High self-esteem.
Euphoria.
Powerful craving for more.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice d. Powerful craving for more.
Rationale:
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms are primarily psychological and emotional, rather than physical. While some physical symptoms may occur, such as fatigue and muscle aches, the most prominent and concerning aspects of withdrawal are intense cravings for the drug.
Here's a breakdown of the other choices and why they are not as likely:
- Choice a. Elevated energy level: Cocaine is a stimulant, so during withdrawal, a person is more likely to experience decreased energy and fatigue.
- Choice b. High self-esteem: Cocaine use can initially boost self-esteem, but withdrawal often leads to feelings of depression, anxiety, and worthlessness.
- Choice c. Euphoria: Euphoria is one of the main effects of cocaine use, but during withdrawal, the opposite occurs, with individuals experiencing dysphoria, a state of intense negative emotions.
Therefore, the intense craving for more cocaine is the most characteristic behavioral symptom exhibited during cocaine withdrawal. This craving is driven by the brain's adaptation to the drug's presence and the disruption of dopamine and other neurotransmitter systems caused by withdrawal.
Additional Notes:
- The intensity of cocaine withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on several factors, including the severity and duration of cocaine use, individual differences in brain chemistry and genetics, and the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Seeking professional help for cocaine withdrawal is crucial to manage cravings and other symptoms effectively and increase the chances of successful recovery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is the best intervention for the PN to implement because it relieves the muscle spasm and reduces the pain of a leg cramp. Leg cramps are common during pregnancy and labor due to changes in calcium levels, fluid balance, or pressure on nerves and blood vessels.
A. Massaging the calf and foot is not recommended because it may increase pain or cause injury to the muscle or nerve.
C. Checking the pedal pulse in the affected leg is not necessary unless there is a suspicion of vascular compromise or thrombosis, which are unlikely causes of a leg cramp.
D. Elevating the leg above the heart is not helpful because it may impair blood flow or increase pressure on the nerve or muscle.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: Tell her to empty her bladder and call if she has a bloody show.
Choice A rationale:
The client is 39 weeks gestation and experiencing mild, irregular contractions. The fact that her cervix is already 3 cm dilated and the presenting part is at -1 station indicates that she is in early labor. Emptying the bladder can help relieve pressure on the cervix and promote progress in labor. Instructing her to call if she has a bloody show is essential because it could indicate that her labor is advancing, and she may need to come to the labor and delivery unit soon.
Choice B rationale:
Directing her to come to the unit for impending delivery is not appropriate at this stage, as she is only experiencing mild, irregular contractions and is likely in early labor. Coming to the unit too early may lead to unnecessary interventions and discomfort for the client.
Choice C rationale:
Asking the charge nurse for further instructions is not necessary in this situation. The client's condition is not emergent, and the practical nurse can handle the situation appropriately based on the information provided.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging ambulation until the contractions are regular might be beneficial in some cases to promote labor progress. However, given that the client is already 3 cm dilated and experiencing mild, irregular contractions, it's better to address the issue of bladder emptying and potential bloody show.
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