Author Question: A drug is withdrawn from a client who has been taking it routinely for many years. The client has ... (Read 34 times)

WhattoUnderstand · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A drug is withdrawn from a client who has been taking it routinely for many years. The client has developed muscle tremors. How would the nurse characterize this event?

1. As an adverse effect
2. As evidence that the client had psychological dependence on the drug
3. As an expected therapeutic effect of no longer taking the drug
4. As an assessment finding associated with physical dependence on a drug

Question 2

Which drug has the highest dependency potential?

1. Acetaminophen
2. Codeine
3. Heroin
4. Diazepam

LVPMS · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

4
Rationale 1: Adverse effects are seen while the drug is being taken, not after it is withdrawn.
Rationale 2: With psychological dependence, few physical signs are seen.
Rationale 3: Therapeutic effects are seen while drugs are being used, not after they have been removed.
Rationale 4: The presence of physical withdrawal symptoms (muscle tremors) is seen when a person is physically dependent on a drug and the drug is removed.
Global Rationale: The presence of physical withdrawal symptoms (muscle tremors) is seen when a person is physically dependent on a drug and the drug is removed. With psychological dependence, few physical signs are seen. Therapeutic effects are seen while drugs are being used, not after they have been removed. Adverse effects are the seen while the drug is being taken, not after it is withdrawn.

Answer to Question 2

3
Rationale 1: Acetaminophen does not have a high abuse potential.
Rationale 2: Codeine is a Schedule III drug.
Rationale 3: Heroin is a Schedule I drug and has the highest potential for abuse, physical dependence, and psychological dependence of the drugs listed.
Rationale 4: Diazepam is a Schedule IV drug.
Global Rationale: Heroin is a Schedule I drug and has the highest potential for abuse, physical dependence, and psychological dependence of the drugs listed. Acetaminophen does not have a high abuse potential. Codeine is a Schedule III drug. Diazepam is a Schedule IV drug.