Author Question: Which assessment observation is the best support for a patient's diagnosis of alcoholism? a. ... (Read 56 times)

future617RT · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

Which assessment observation is the best support for a patient's diagnosis of alcoholism?

a. Reporting, I messed up three marriages.
b. Testing positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV)
c. Admission that, I drink more than I should.
d. A positive response to three items on the CAGE test

Question 2

A patient recently discharged from an alcohol rehabilitation program is brought to the hospital in a state of prostration with severe throbbing headache, tachycardia, a beet-red face, dyspnea, and continuous vomiting.

The patient's significant other states the patient got sick about 15 minutes after drinking a glass of wine. The nurse should be guided in assessment by the suspicion that the patient:
a. Is having a stroke
b. Has alcohol intoxication
c. Is reacting to disulfiram (Antabuse)
d. Is exhibiting symptoms of cross-dependence

Tonyam972 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The CAGE questionnaire is a well-validated screening instrument. A positive response to two of the four items of the CAGE questionnaire indicates a potential problem with alcoholism. Although the remaining options are recognized red flags for possible alcoholism, they lack the selectivity of the screening tool.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The alcohol deterrent drug, Antabuse, commonly prescribed in recovering alcoholic treat-ment, causes this reaction when taken in combination with alcohol. Alcohol intoxication, stroke, and cross-dependence do not present with the listed prostration symptoms.