The nurse is assessing a patient for alcohol abuse. On which ...

[ap345]

The nurse is assessing a patient for alcohol abuse. On which mental health problems should the nurse focus during this assessment?
 
  Select all that apply.
  1. psychosis
  2. depression
  3. malnutrition
  4. Alzheimer disease
  5. cerebrovascular accident

Question 2

The nurse identifies the problem of imbalanced nutrition due to insufficient intake for a patient hospitalized for substance abuse. What interventions should the nurse identify as appropriate for this patient?
 
  Select all that apply.
  1. Monitor the CBC and liver enzymes
  2. Collaborate with the dietician
  3. Administer vitamins and diet supplements
  4. Provide high fat, high carbohydrate diet
  5. Restrict fluid intake to 1500 mL per day

[cclemon1]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2

The most commonly co-occurring mental disorders in adults are alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence with depression or psychoses. Malnutrition is not a mental health problem. Alzheimer disease is not associated with alcohol abuse. It is not considered a mental health problem. Cerebrovascular accident is a cardiac disorder that affects blood flow to the brain. The patient may demonstrate alterations in behavior and consciousness; however, this is not a mental health problem.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3

Lab values should be monitored to evaluate the extent of malnourishment. The dietician can help with meal planning for adequate nutrition and realistic weight gain. Vitamins and dietary supplements may be ordered to prevent complications from chronic alcoholism such as Wernicke syndrome. A high fat, high carbohydrate diet is not appropriate as the patient needs a balanced nutritional intake to provide for calories, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. The fluid intake will not be restricted as there is no physiological reason unless the patient has a co-morbidity.