The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client whose urine drug screen is positive for cocaine. Which behavior is most likely seen in this client?
Elevated energy level
Powerful craving for more
High self-esteem
Euphoria
The Correct Answer is A
- Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug that increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, which is a chemical messenger related to movement, pleasure, and motivation.
- Cocaine's effects appear almost immediately and last for a few minutes to an hour, depending on the method of use. Some of the short-term effects of cocaine include extreme happiness and energy, mental alertness, hypersensitivity to sight, sound, and touch, and irritability.
- An elevated energy level is one of the most common and noticeable effects of cocaine use, as cocaine stimulates the central nervous system and makes the user feel more alert, active, and confident¹². This effect may also lead to increased physical activity, talkativeness, or aggression.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer, while options B, C, and D are incorrect.
Option B is incorrect because a powerful craving for more cocaine is not a behavior that can be observed by others, but rather an internal feeling that the user may experience due to the addictive nature of the drug.
Option C is incorrect because high self-esteem is not a typical effect of cocaine use, as cocaine may cause paranoia or anxiety in some users.
Option D is incorrect because euphoria is not a behavior that can be observed by others, but rather an emotional state that the user may feel due to the increased dopamine levels in the brain
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A client who has cellulitis and is receiving oral antibiotics every 8 hr has a mild to moderate infection that can be managed at home with proper wound care and medication adherence. The client does not require hospitalization unless there are signs of systemic infection or complications.
B. A client who is postoperative following an upper endoscopy procedure and is alert but does not have a gag reflex has a high risk of aspiration and airway obstruction due to impaired swallowing function. The client requires close monitoring and intervention until the gag reflex returns, which can take several hours or longer depending on the type and amount of anesthesia used.
C. A mother and their newborn 12 hr postdelivery have not completed the minimum recommended stay of 24 to 48 hours for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries or 72 to 96 hours for cesarean deliveries, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The mother and their newborn require assessment, education, support, and follow-up care to ensure their health and well-being.
D. A client who has lower extremity weakness and is newly admitted for observation has an undiagnosed condition that could indicate a serious neurological or vascular problem, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or peripheral artery disease. The client requires diagnostic testing, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation to prevent further deterioration or complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Weight loss is not a common or serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause weight gain, not weight loss.
B. Jaundice is a sign of liver damage, which is a serious and potentially fatal adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can impair fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial function, leading to hepatotoxicity and steatosis. The nurse should monitor the client's liver function tests and report any signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or clay-colored stools .
C. Bradycardia is not a common or serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause cardiac arrhythmias, but they are usually tachycardic, not bradycardic.
D. Polyuria is not a common or serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause hypernatremia and hypocalcemia, which can affect urine output, but polyuria is not a specific symptom of these electrolyte imbalances.
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