Author Question: The nurse admits a patient to the emergency department who complains of dizziness, light-headedness, ... (Read 73 times)

washai · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse admits a patient to the emergency department who complains of dizziness, light-headedness, and a pulsating headache. Further assessment reveals a blood pressure of 82/60 and palpitations.

The patient's friends state that he was experimenting with poppers. The nurse should plan to administer which of the following medications? a. Diazepam (Valium)
b. Naloxone (Narcan)
c. Haloperidol (Haldol)
d. Methylene blue and supplemental oxygen

Question 2

A heroin addict comes to the hospital with an acute overdose and almost dies. The patient's family tells the nurse, She can't live this way any more.

The family asks, Is there something she can take to get her life back to normal without experiencing serious withdrawal? The nurse should anticipate that the prescriber will order which of the following drugs that will address the patient's needs as well as the family's concern? a. Diazepam (Valium)
b. Methadone
c. Naloxone (Narcan)
d. Midazolam (Versed)

Jordin Calloway · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
These findings are consistent with volatile nitrate overdose, as evidenced by the venous dilation. The primary toxicity is methemoglobinemia, which can be treated with methylene blue and sup-plemental oxygen.
Diazepam would not be used for patients experiencing volatile nitrate overdose, but it may be used in patients who have overdosed on hallucinogens.
Naloxone would be used to treat an opioid overdose.
Haloperidol would be used in patients who have overdosed on amphetamines.

Answer to Question 2

B
Heroin is an opioid, and withdrawal effects are treated with methadone tapering.
Diazepam is not used to treat withdrawal from opioid drugs.
Naloxone is used to treat opioid overdose, not opioid withdrawal.
Midazolam is not used to treat opioid withdrawal.