A patient with a known history of heavy alcohol use has been ...

[newbem]

A patient with a known history of heavy alcohol use has been admitted to the ICU after he was found unconscious outside a bar. The nurse closely monitors him for symptoms of withdrawal. Which of these symptoms may occur during this time?
 
  Select all that apply.
  a.
  Bradycardia
  b.
  Coarse tremor of the hands
  c.
  Transient hallucinations
  d.
  Somnolence
  e.
  Sweating

Question 2

The nurse is reviewing aspects of substance abuse in preparation for a seminar. Which of these statements illustrates the concept of tolerance to an illicit substance? The person:
 
  a. Has a physiologic dependence on a substance.
  b. Requires an increased amount of the substance to produce the same effect.
  c. Requires daily use of the substance to function and is unable to stop using it.
  d. Experiences a syndrome of physiologic symptoms if the substance is not used.

[jamesnevil303]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B, C, E
Symptoms of uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal start shortly after the cessation of drinking, peak at the second day, and improve by the fourth or fifth day. Symptoms include coarse tremors of the hands, tongue, and eyelids; anorexia; nausea and vomiting; autonomic hyperactivity (e.g., tachycardia, sweating, elevated blood pressure); and transient hallucinations, among other symptoms

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The concept of tolerance to a substance indicates that the person requires an increased amount of the substance to produce the same effect. Abuse indicates that the person needs to use the substance daily to function, and the person is unable to stop using it. Dependence is an actual physiologic dependence on the substance. Withdrawal occurs when cessation of the substance produces a syndrome of physiologic symptoms.