Author Question: A patient has completed substance abuse treatment for alcoholism. What will assist in long-term goal ... (Read 218 times)

tth · **on:** Jul 24, 2018

A patient has completed substance abuse treatment for alcoholism. What will assist in long-term goal attainment and promote abstinence? (Select all that apply.)

a. Naltrexone therapy
b. Regular attendance at NA
c. Regular contact with his program sponsor
d. Following the 12-step program of AA
e. Diazepam therapy to reduce the likelihood of DTs

Question 2

A health professional colleague is suspected of having a substance abuse problem because of the person's frequent absenteeism, mood swings when at work, diminished alertness, and poor patient care.

Which action(s) will the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)
a. Confront the individual.
b. Document specific examples of inappropriate actions.
c. Avoid assigning this individual to patients with narcotic medication orders or high acuities.
d. Notify law enforcement of the suspicions.
e. Submit a confidential report to an appropriate supervisor.

kjo;oj · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 24, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, C, D
Treatment may require pharmacologic treatment, such as disulfiram or naltrexone therapy. Regular contact with a sponsor provides support and continuity in the process of maintaining sobriety. Treatment requires lifelong effort with a combination of psychosocial support; use of the 12-step program will assist the patient in maintaining recovery. NA stands for Narcotics Anonymous; this patient should attend meetings of AA, or Alcoholics Anonymous. Diazepam has a high potential for abuse and should not be used with recovering addicts.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B, E
Observation and documentation are crucial to building a record of repeat instances over time to support the suspicion of impairment. Examples of inappropriate actions need to be well documented over time. An accurate record can also be useful in helping the impaired individual to recognize the problems and submit voluntarily to treatment. If a health professional suspects that a colleague is impaired, a confidential report should be made to an appropriate supervisor familiar with institutional policy. Confronting the individual, avoiding assigning this individual to patients with narcotic medication orders or high acuities, and notifying law enforcement of the suspicions are not appropriate actions to take.