Which question has the highest priority when assessing a newly ...

[geoffrey]

Which question has the highest priority when assessing a newly admitted patient with a history of alcohol abuse?
 
  a. Have you ever had blackouts?
  b. When did you have your last drink?
  c. Has drinking caused you any problems?
  d. When did you decide to seek treatment?

Question 2

A patient is admitted in a comatose state after ingesting 30 capsules of pentobarbital sodium. A friend of the patient says, Often my friend drinks, along with taking more of the drug than is ordered.
 
  What is the effect of the use of alcohol with this drug?
 
  a. The drug's metabolism is stimulated.
  b. The drug's effect is diminished.
  c. A synergistic effect occurs.
  d. There is no effect.

[JaynaD87]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Learning when the patient had the last drink is essential to knowing when to begin to observe for symptoms of withdrawal. The other questions are relevant but of lower priority.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Both pentobarbital and alcohol are CNS depressants and have synergistic effects. Taken together, the action of each would potentiate the other.