Author Question: The patient is admitted to the in-patient substance abuse unit. She tells the nurse she has been ... (Read 93 times)

swpotter12 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The patient is admitted to the in-patient substance abuse unit. She tells the nurse she has been buying yellow jackets (pentobarbital, Nembutal) on the street, but hasn't had any for a few days. What is the best plan by the nurse at this tim

1. Prepare to manage the depression and suicidal thoughts the patient will have.
2. Prepare to do frequent room searches, as the patient's friends will most likely bring drugs in for her.
3. Prepare to manage a withdrawal that could be life threatening.
4. Prepare to manage a withdrawal that will likely be minimal.

Question 2

The patient has been abusing alcohol for several years and tells the nurse, I used to drink a pint of whiskey every day. Now I get sick and pass out after just two drinks. What does the nurse correctly recognize about this patient?

1. The patient's symptoms are related to hyperglycemia; he may have pancreatic damage.
2. The patient may have liver damage, resulting in an inability to metabolize large amounts of alcohol.
3. The patient is in denial and is most likely minimizing the amount of alcohol he consumes.
4. The patient has brain damage from the alcohol and cannot remember how much he consumes.

macmac · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Barbiturates are central nervous depressant (CNS) drugs. Withdrawal symptoms resemble those of alcohol withdrawal, and may be life threatening. Withdrawal from barbiturates will more likely be life threatening, not minimal. Physical needs have priority over psychological needs, such as depression, in this case. Doing room searches is a good idea, but preparing for withdrawal is a higher priority.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Alcoholism is a common cause of cirrhosis, a debilitating, and often fatal, failure of the liver to perform its vital functions, such as metabolism of alcohol. While patients with alcoholism are frequently in denial, and tend to minimize the amount of alcohol they consume, this patient is describing the results of liver damage. While patients with alcoholism frequently have pancreatic damage, this patient is describing the results of liver damage. While patients with alcoholism frequently have brain damage, this patient is describing the results of liver damage.