Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders no. 5008

Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders no. 5008

QUESTION: A client voluntarily admits himself to the substance abuse unit. He confesses that he drinks 1 qt or more of vodka each day and uses cocaine occasionally. Later that afternoon, he begins to show signs of alcohol withdrawal. What are some early signs of this condition?

✘O a.) Vomiting, diarrhea, and bradycardia
✘O b.) Dehydration, temperature above 101<font face="LWWSYM">%</font> F (38.3<font face="LWWSYM">%</font> C), and pruritus
✘O c.) Hypertension, diaphoresis, and seizures
✓O d.) Diaphoresis, tremors, and nervousness

RATIONALE

RATIONALE: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome includes alcohol withdrawal, alcoholic hallucinosis, and alcohol withdrawal delirium (formerly delirium tremens). Signs of alcohol withdrawal include diaphoresis, tremors, nervousness, nausea, vomiting, malaise, increased blood pressure and pulse rate, sleep disturbance, and irritability. Although diarrhea may be an early sign of alcohol withdrawal, tachycardia <font face="LWWSYM">:</font> not bradycardia <font face="LWWSYM">:</font> is associated with alcohol withdrawal. Dehydration and an elevated temperature may be expected, but a temperature above 101<font face="LWWSYM">%</font> F indicates an infection rather than alcohol withdrawal. Pruritus rarely occurs in alcohol withdrawal. If withdrawal symptoms remain untreated, seizures may arise later.
NURSING PROCESS STEP: Assessment
CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrity
CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Physiological adaptation
COGNITIVE LEVEL: Knowledge