Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders no. 5011

Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders no. 5011

QUESTION: A client is hospitalized with fractures of the right femur and right humerus sustained in a motorcycle accident. Police suspect the client was intoxicated at the time of the accident. Laboratory tests reveal a blood alcohol level of 0.2% (200 mg/dl). The client later admits to drinking heavily for years. During hospitalization, the client periodically complains of tingling and numbness in the hands and feet. The nurse realizes that these symptoms probably result from:

✘O a.) acetate accumulation.
✓O b.) thiamine deficiency.
✘O c.) triglyceride buildup.
✘O d.) a below-normal serum potassium level.

RATIONALE

RATIONALE: Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet are symptoms of peripheral polyneuritis, which results from inadequate intake of vitamin B₁ (thiamine) secondary to prolonged and excessive alcohol intake. Treatment includes reducing alcohol intake, correcting nutritional deficiencies through diet and vitamin supplements, and preventing such residual disabilities as foot and wrist drop. Acetate accumulation, triglyceride buildup, and a below-normal serum potassium level are unrelated to the client's symptoms.
NURSING PROCESS STEP: Evaluation
CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrity
CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Physiological adaptation
COGNITIVE LEVEL: Analysis