Author Question: During history-taking, a patient tells the nurse that he is addicted to alprazolam and that he takes ... (Read 78 times)

lb_gilbert · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

During history-taking, a patient tells the nurse that he is addicted to alprazolam and that he takes six 1 mg tablets a day. He quit cold turkey yesterday and now presents with extreme agitation, increased heart rate, and panic.

The nurse suspects which disorder?
a. Stress reaction
b. Delerium tremens
c. Overdose
d. Relapse

Question 2

A 45-year-old man is brought to the emergency department presenting with a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min, and cardiac dysrhythmias. What is the most appropriate question the nurse should ask the patient's friend?

a. Does he take amphetamines or uppers?
b. Has he ever used LSD?
c. Have you two been out of the country in the last 2 days?
d. Is he using any opioids such as heroin?

yeungji · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Stress reaction is a withdrawal symptom that can occur when detoxing too quickly. DTs are usually associated with alcohol withdrawal. Overdose of alprazolam would present with extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, and loss of balance or coordination. The effects of alprazolam are dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and lightheadedness.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The clinical manifestations of an opioid overdose include seizures, shock, respiratory depression, dysrhythmias, and altered level of consciousness. An opioid overdose is a medical emergency. Amphetamine overdose is ruled out because it causes hypertension and central nervous system disturbances such as paranoia, panic, and delusions. LSD overdose would also manifest with hypertension and tachypnea along with hallucinations and possible loss of contact with reality. Travel outside the country is unrelated.