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A client calls the emergency department of the local hospital reporting that after 16 years of heavy drinking, he is tired and wants to quit 'cold turkey.' What would be the best response by the nurse?
- A. It is not safe to stop drinking suddenly without medicine.
- B. You sound really motivated. Come in and we will help you find a treatment center.
- C. After a few days of rest, you should feel much better as long as you do not drink anything.
- D. You will likely feel anxious and get a severe headache. Treat these symptoms with acetaminophen and rest, and come in if they do not get better in 3 to 5 days.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sudden alcohol cessation can cause life-threatening withdrawal, requiring medical supervision, unlike relying on rest, symptom management, or motivation alone.
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A nurse is working with a couple seeking counseling for marital discord. The history indicates the husband was treated for substance abuse 4 years ago and attends AA meetings occasionally. Which statement made by the recovering husband should alert the nurse for the need for further education?
- A. I still need to go to AA meetings even though I have been sober for years.
- B. After all these years, I just don't have the will power to stop if I started using again.
- C. She gets upset when I hang out with my old buddies on the weekends.
- D. I wish I could be able to handle just one beer with dinner.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Wishing to drink socially indicates a misconception about addiction, risking relapse, unlike recognizing the need for AA or avoiding old friends.
Which are general warning signs of substance abuse that a nurse should be alert for in coworkers?
- A. Poor work performance
- B. Frequent absenteeism
- C. Unusual behavior
- D. Slurred speech
- E. Isolation from peers
- F. Substance abuse is not a problem in health professionals
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,E
Rationale: Warning signs include poor performance, absenteeism, unusual behavior, slurred speech, and isolation, as health professionals have higher substance abuse rates.
A client in treatment for drug abuse makes the statement, 'I am a winner. You all are the losers because you can't beat this on your own.' What common characteristic of persons addicted to drugs is revealed in this statement?
- A. Realistic understanding of successful recovery of drug addiction
- B. Indication of an underlying personality disorder
- C. Brain damages resulting from chronic drug use
- D. Defending against a negative self-concept
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The grandiose statement masks low self-esteem, a common trait in addiction, used to defend against feelings of inadequacy, not personality disorder or brain damage.
The client asks the nurse, 'What will happen if I drink while taking Antabuse?' What should be the nurse's reply?
- A. You will not want to drink while taking Antabuse, it reduces the cravings.
- B. You will not get any effect from the alcohol you drink.
- C. Antabuse will reverse the effects of alcohol.
- D. You will experience a severe reaction, including a throbbing headache and vomiting.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Drinking on Antabuse causes severe symptoms like headache and vomiting, not reduced cravings, no alcohol effect, or reversal of alcohol effects.
Which of the following neurochemical influences is a probable cause of substance abuse?
- A. Imbalances of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain
- B. Inhibition of GABA in the brain
- C. Excessive serotonin activity in the CNS
- D. Stimulation of dopamine pathways in the brain
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Stimulating dopamine pathways in the limbic system produces reinforcing pleasurable effects, driving substance abuse, unlike serotonin, norepinephrine, or GABA imbalances.