The nurse assesses an alcoholic patient carefully for signs of withdrawal. How soon after cessation of alcohol intake do withdrawal symptoms usually appear?
- A. 3 hours
- B. 4 hours
- C. 5 hours
- D. 6 hours
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Withdrawal signs can occur as early as 6 hours after cessation of alcohol intake and sometimes last for 3 to 5 days.
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When assessing an alcoholic patient, the nurse notes short-term memory loss, painful extremities, foot drop, and muttered incoherent responses to questions. The nurse recognizes these symptoms as most likely related to a condition caused by long-term alcohol abuse, which is known as syndrome.
Correct Answer: Korsakoff
Rationale: Korsakoff syndrome is a permanent condition caused by long-term alcohol use. The patient mutters incoherently and experiences short-term memory loss, painful extremities, and foot drop.
The nurse uses the CAGE questionnaire to assess a patient. The nurse suspects the patient is an alcoholic if there are affirmative answers for items on the questionnaire.
Correct Answer: two
Rationale: An affirmative answer on two or more questions on the CAGE questionnaire is reason to assess more closely for possible alcohol abuse.
What is the greatest problem with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) use?
- A. The drug is addictive.
- B. The drug stimulates drug-seeking behavior.
- C. The drug causes flashbacks.
- D. The drug sets off hypertensive episodes.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: LSD causes flashbacks, or 'bad trips,' unpredictably, and the flashbacks may occur years after ingestion of the drug. LSD is not considered an addictive drug and does not stimulate drug-seeking behavior. Hypertension is not a typical side effect of LSD.
What should the nurse do when suspecting a coworker of abusing drugs while at work?
- A. Confront the abuser.
- B. Report observations to a supervisor.
- C. Call the state board of nursing.
- D. Discuss the problem with another coworker.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's observations should be reported objectively, preferably in writing, to the supervisor.
What should the nurse do to decrease the patient's disorientation at night during the detoxification period?
- A. Place the patient in a room with another recovering patient.
- B. Instruct the patient to orient himself to his surroundings at bedtime.
- C. Wake the patient up every 4 hours to eat a small snack.
- D. Use nightlights and remove extra furniture from the room.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Use of nightlights and removing extra furniture that could be misidentified will reduce disorientation. The patient should not be woken up to eat, but if he is awake, small snacks can be offered. The nurse should orient the patient to his surroundings.
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