Nurse in Psychiatry Test Bank Related

Review Nurse in Psychiatry Test Bank related questions and content

A nurse assesses four patients between the ages of 70 and 80. Which patient has the highest risk for alcohol abuse? The patient who:

  • A. Consumes 1 glass of wine nightly with dinner.
  • B. Drank socially throughout adult life and continues this pattern, saying, “I’ve earned the right to do as I please.”
  • C. Began drinking alcohol daily after retirement and says, “A few drinks keep my mind off my arthritis.”
  • D. Abused alcohol between the ages of 25 and 40 but now abstains and occasionally attends Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient who started drinking daily after retirement as a coping mechanism for arthritis has the highest risk for alcohol abuse. This behavior indicates a potential dependence on alcohol to manage physical and emotional discomfort, leading to increased consumption and potential addiction.

Choice A is not the correct answer because consuming 1 glass of wine nightly with dinner is generally considered moderate drinking and does not necessarily indicate alcohol abuse.

Choice B is also not the correct answer as social drinking throughout adult life, even if justified as a reward, does not inherently suggest alcohol abuse without further evidence of problematic drinking patterns.

Choice D is incorrect as the patient has a history of alcohol abuse but currently abstains and seeks support through AA, indicating active efforts to maintain sobriety and reduce the risk of alcohol abuse.