Author Question: A teen is brought to the emergency department by a parent. The nursing assessment reveals that the ... (Read 74 times)

Mr. Wonderful · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A teen is brought to the emergency department by a parent. The nursing assessment reveals that the patient has been acting strangely for the past three hours and is hypervigilant, grandiose, and irritable.

Vital signs reveal hypertension, tachycardia, and some arrhythmias. Which substance does the nurse suspect that the teen has been using?
1. Alcohol
2. Marijuana
3. Heroin
4. Amphetamines

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who is an intravenous drug user. The nurse anticipates the need for assessment for which cardiac complication?

1. Cardiac tamponade
2. Myocardial infarction
3. Congestive heart failure
4. Infective endocarditis

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

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 4
Explanation: Amphetamine intoxication includes symptoms of hypervigilance, grandiosity, and irritability. Marijuana intoxication manifests in euphoria and relaxation and does not typically cause hypertension, tachycardia, or arrhythmias. Heroin intoxication causes decreased respiratory rate and depth and bradycardia, not tachycardia. Alcohol intoxication may manifest in relaxed euphoria, lack of concentration, and decreased inhibitions.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 4
Explanation: A relatively uncommon disease in the general population, infective endocarditis involves an infection of the interior surface of the heart, usually stemming from bacteria in the bloodstream. These infections then lead to destruction of cardiac tissue, causing irreparable damage to the valves of the heart and symptoms consistent with both systemic infection and cardiac dysfunction. Patients who abuse drugs by injection are at greatest risk for developing infective endocarditis. Cardiac tamponade, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction may occur in intravenous drug users; however, these individuals are at greatest risk for developing infective endocarditis.