Author Question: An alcohol-dependent patient admitted yesterday believes the window blinds are snakes trying to get ... (Read 58 times)

nenivikky · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

An alcohol-dependent patient admitted yesterday believes the window blinds are snakes trying to get in the room. The patient is anxious, agitated, and diaphoretic. The nurse can anticipate the health care provider will prescribe a:

a. benzodiazepine, such as lorazepam (Ativan) or chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
b. antipsychotic, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) or thioridazine (Mellaril).
c. monoamine oxidase inhibitor, such as phenelzine (Nardil).
d. narcotic analgesic, such as codeine.

Question 2

A patient is having difficulty making a decision. The nurse is conflicted about whether to provide advice. Which principle usually applies? Giving advice:

a. is rarely helpful.
b. fosters independence.
c. lifts the burden of personal decision making.
d. helps the patient develop feelings of personal adequacy.

elizabethrperez · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Sedation allows for safe withdrawal from alcohol. Benzodiazepines are the drugs of choice in most regions because of their high therapeutic safety index and anticonvulsant properties.

Answer to Question 2

A
Giving advice fosters dependence on the nurse and interferes with the patient's right to make personal decisions. It robs patients of the opportunity to weigh alternatives and develop problem-solving skills. Furthermore, it contributes to patient feelings of personal inadequacy.