Author Question: The nurse is assessing a patient suspected of having a substance use disorder. The nurse understands ... (Read 58 times)

ahriuashd · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The nurse is assessing a patient suspected of having a substance use disorder. The nurse understands that individuals with a substance use disorder display some symptoms that are universal regardless of the substance involved.

Which symptoms of substance use disorder will the nurse include in the assessment? Select all that apply.
1. Disregard for religious beliefs while abusing the substance
2. Absence of desire to quit abusing the substance
3. Need for greater amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect
4. Neglect of normal activities due to focus on obtaining or using more of the substance
5. Persistent craving for the substance

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient with gender dysphoria. When promoting open communication with the patient, what is the nurse's best action?

1. Use closed questions.
2. Convey willingness to learn.
3. Present him or herself as the expert to the patient.
4. Convey sympathy.

robbielu01 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 3, 4, 5
Explanation: Patients who have a substance use disorder experience some universal symptoms: a need for greater amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect; neglect of normal activities due to focus on obtaining or using more of the substance; and a persistent craving for the substance. The patient with a substance use disorder does not necessarily disregard his or her religious beliefs or lack the desire to quit. Some patients have a desire to reduce their use of the substance but have difficulty doing so.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 2
Explanation: When promoting open communication with the patient, the nurse's best action is to convey a willingness to learn and to show empathy, not sympathy. It is not as important for the nurse to present as the expert to the patient; rather, the nurse should listen actively and be willing to learn and help the patient. Using open-ended questions is more beneficial for assessing the patient versus close-ended questions.