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 D
Explanation
A. Contact the facility's ethics committee: This is incorrect because it is not an urgent action and it does not address the client's immediate needs. The ethics committee can be consulted later if there are ethical dilemmas or conflicts regarding the client's care.
B. Obtain consent from the client's employer: This is incorrect because it is not a valid source of consent. The employer has no legal or ethical authority to make decisions for the client, unless they are also a designated surrogate or proxy.
C. Limit care to comfort measures: This is incorrect because it does not meet the standard of care for an emergency situation. The nurse has a duty to provide life-saving interventions for a client who is unconscious and requires emergency medical procedures, unless there is evidence of a valid advance directive that states otherwise.
D. Proceed with provision of medical care: This is correct because it follows the principle of implied consent, which assumes that a reasonable person would consent to emergency treatment if they were able to do so. The nurse should document the circumstances and continue to search for family members or other sources of consent.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Withholding pain medications for 24 hr after the old patch is removed is a harmful action that could cause severe withdrawal symptoms and uncontrolled pain for the client. The nurse should respect the client's right to refuse treatment and explore the reasons for their decision.
B. Correct. Asking another nurse to witness the disposal of the new patch is a safe and legal action that follows the policies and procedures for handling controlled substances. The nurse should document the disposal of the new patch and report it to the appropriate authority.
C. Incorrect. Sealing the patches in a plastic bag and placing them in the client's trash basket is an unsafe and illegal action that could lead to diversion, misuse, or accidental exposure of fentanyl to others. The nurse should dispose of the patches in a secure and designated container that prevents access by unauthorized persons.
D. Incorrect. Sticking the two patches to each other and placing them in the sharps bin is an unsafe and improper action that could cause contamination, injury, or infection to others who handle or dispose of sharps waste. The nurse should dispose of the patches separately and carefully, avoiding contact with their adhesive surfaces.
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