A nurse is teaching a community education class about the ...

[laurencescou]

A nurse is teaching a community education class about the difference between alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse. Which of the following statements best confirms that a participant understands the difference?
 
  a. The major difference between alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse is the amount of alcohol consumed.
  b. The major difference between alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse is the presence of craving.
  c. The major difference between alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse is that in abuse, alcohol is consumed in excess.
  d. The major difference between alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse is tolerance and withdrawal.

Question 2

A patient presents to the clinic at 0900 with an unsteady gait and slurred speech. During the health history, the patient admits to consuming a case of beer every day for 7 years but denies being an alcoholic.
 
  Which of the following medications that the patient is taking would concern the nurse the most?
  a. Antacids daily
  b. Antihistamines daily
  c. Acetaminophen daily
  d. Stool softener daily

[bigcheese9]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Alcohol dependence is chronic use of alcohol that produces physical dependence, for which a withdrawal syndrome occurs if alcohol is discontinued abruptly.
Chronic consumption of alcohol produces tolerance. The amount of alcohol consumed determines the extent of abuse, not the difference between dependence and abuse.
The presence of craving has to do with psychological abuse.
Consumption of alcohol in excess involves both alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Chronic use of alcohol may lead to cirrhosis; concurrent use of acetaminophen is contraindicated, because taking more than 4 g a day may lead to hepatotoxicity, and the liver may already be compromised.
Antacids, antihistamines, and stool softeners are not contraindicated with chronic alcohol use.

[laurencescou]

YES! Correct, THANKS for helping me on my review

[scottmt]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it