Author Question: The primary care NP prescribes disulfiram to a patient who has stopped drinking but continues to ... (Read 23 times)

@Brianna17 · **on:** Jul 24, 2018

The primary care NP prescribes disulfiram to a patient who has stopped drinking but continues to have cravings for alcohol. The NP must counsel the patient to:

a. abstain from alcohol completely.
b. report a garlic taste in the mouth.
c. stop taking the drug after a few months.
d. increase the drug dose after several months.

Question 2

The primary care NP is preparing to prescribe acamprosate for a patient who is an alcoholic. Before initiating treatment with this medication, the NP should:

a. assess renal function.
b. obtain liver function tests.
c. teach the patient never to take the drug with alcohol.
d. tell the patient that this medication is used to treat withdrawal symptoms.

IAPPLET · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 24, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Patients taking disulfiram who consume alcohol experience an uncomfortable and sometimes life-threatening reaction and may have these symptoms up to 14 days after disulfiram is given. A garlic taste is a minor side effect. Patients may take the drug for years but do not need to increase the dose because they can become more sensitive to its effects.

Answer to Question 2

A
This drug should not be given if patients have severe renal impairment. LFTs are indicated if signs of liver toxicity occur. Acamprosate does not cause a disulfiram-like reaction and is not used to treat withdrawal.