Author Question: After detoxification from substance abuse, the patient says, I feel better than I have in years All ... (Read 88 times)

Tazate · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

After detoxification from substance abuse, the patient says, I feel better than I have in years All I needed was some rest. I am not an alcoholic. Which response is best for the nurse to make?

a. What were you doing that got you ad-mitted to the detoxification center?
b. Alcoholism has many definitions. What is yours?
c. Admitting to alcoholism is hard.
d. Alcoholism has ruined your life. How can you say you are not an alcoholic?

Question 2

An intoxicated patient is admitted to a treatment center for detoxification. The nurse understands that his withdrawal will be supported with which method?

a. Psychotherapy support
b. Large doses opioids to ensure sedation for 72 hours
c. Symptomatic relief until the substance clears his symptoms
d. Titrated amounts of alcohol until severe withdrawal resolves

tandmlomax84 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Confronting denial and encouraging self-diagnosis is the point of the treatment phase after de-toxification. Asking for the patient's definition of alcoholism allows for the patient to intellec-tualize the problem. Stating that alcoholism is hard is a sympathetic and unhelpful response. Alcoholism has ruined your life is accusatory and counterproductive.

Answer to Question 2

C
The alcoholic in withdrawal is supported with symptomatic relief for nausea and vomiting, cramps, and possible seizure.