Author Question: A hospitalized patient diagnosed with an alcohol abuse disorder believes the window blinds are ... (Read 37 times)

dbose · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A hospitalized patient diagnosed with an alcohol abuse disorder believes the window blinds are snakes trying to get in the room. The patient is anxious, agitated, and diaphoretic. The nurse can anticipate the health care provider will prescribe a(n):

a. narcotic analgesic, such as hydromorphone (Dilaudid).
b. sedative, such as lorazepam (Ativan) or chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
c. antipsychotic, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) or thioridazine (Mellaril).
d. monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant, such as phenelzine (Nardil).

Question 2

A hospitalized patient diagnosed with an alcohol abuse disorder believes spiders are spinning entrapping webs in the room. The patient is fearful, agitated, and diaphoretic. Which nursing intervention is indicated?

a. Check the patient every 15 minutes
b. One-on-one supervision
c. Keep the room dimly lit
d. Force fluids

31809pancho · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Sedation allows for safe withdrawal from alcohol. Benzodiazepines are the drugs of choice in most regions because of their high therapeutic safety index and anticonvulsant properties.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
One-on-one supervision is necessary to promote physical safety until sedation reduces the patient's feelings of terror. Checks every 15 minutes would not be sufficient to provide for safety. A dimly lit room promotes perceptual disturbances. Excessive fluid intake can cause overhydration, because fluid retention normally occurs when blood alcohol levels fall.