Deck 24: Clients with Substance Abuse Disorders

Question 1

The nurse reminds the client that in the United States, the most widely used psychoactive substance is

A) alcohol.
B) amphetamines.
C) caffeine.
D) marijuana.

Answer 1

caffeine.

Question 2

The theory that describes substance abuse as a learned behavior is called the

A) biologic model.
B) family system model.
C) psychological model.
D) sociocultural model.

Answer 2

psychological model.

Question 3

A nurse works with another nurse who has been coming to work with red eyes and flushed face and is increasingly irritable. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

A) Ask another co-worker what he/she thinks about the situation.
B) Document questionable incidents and relay them to the manager.
C) Leave the co-worker alone as it is obvious he/she has personal problems.
D) Work alongside the colleague so there are no mistakes.

Answer 3

Document questionable incidents and relay them to the manager.

Question 4

The nurse teaching a client taking disulfiram (Antabuse) should focus on

A) abstaining from alcohol ingestion.
B) daily exercise.
C) emotional support for the family.
D) skin care.

Question 5

A client who was admitted 2 days ago for assessment after a fall in his home has become increasingly irritable and now says there are bugs on his bed. He is diaphoretic and has a blood pressure of (200/136)mm Hg. The nurse assesses

A) alcohol-induced psychosis.
B) delirium tremens.
C) neurologic injury related to the fall.
D) post-traumatic stress reaction.

Question 6

A client taking the drug ReVia for alcohol abuse tells the nurse that he wants to join AA as an added support for his recovery. The nurse's best response would be

A) "Although AA is a support toward sobriety, the fact that you are presently taking ReVia would probably make you ineligible for membership."
B) "AA has been able to help many people stay sober, but it does require that you have a sponsor. Do you know of someone who is a member?"
C) "Joining AA is going to involve your family to some degree. Have you discussed your plans with them?"
D) "That sounds like a very good idea. Shall we try to locate a chapter near you and see when they meet?"

Question 7

The school nurse is called into an art class by the teacher to observe a student who is smiling and giggling as he sprays fixative on his charcoal picture. The student's eyes and nose are red, and he is coughing. The school nurse assesses that the student may be experiencing

A) a seasonal cold.
B) an allergic reaction.
C) inhalant abuse.
D) use of an opioid.

Question 8

When the school nurse hears a student conversation that is centered on "having some hog," the nurse knows the students are referring to

A) going on a cigarette break.
B) inhaling nitrous oxide.
C) injecting heroin.
D) taking phencyclidine (PCP).

Question 9

The nurse recognizes a potential health threat to an alcoholic client who is using the drug disulfiram (Antabuse) when the nurse reads in the health record that the client is also taking

A) Coumadin.
B) diphenhydramine (Benadryl) tablets.
C) Milk of Magnesia.
D) penicillin.

Question 10

Strategies that a nurse could suggest a client use to prevent a relapse into substance abuse include (Select all that apply)

A) assessing and building on coping skills.
B) changing environmental triggers to abuse substances.
C) considering therapy for struggles with daily functioning.
D) identifying the personal risks of relapse.
E) participating in self-help groups.

Question 11

For a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal, the action that the nurse would include in the client's plan of care is to

A) describe how the alcohol is causing the withdrawal effects.
B) leave the client by him/herself so as not to cause agitation.
C) promote a safe, calm, and comfortable environment.
D) refer the client to an alcohol-abuse counselor.

Question 12

The nurse evaluates that the client has learned an important fact about cocaine use when he says

A) "Cocaine is not addictive. I can use it as a recreational drug."
B) "Cocaine withdrawal is relatively easy. There is only mild fatigue."
C) "I know a young person can have a heart attack from using cocaine."
D) "Since cocaine is a depressant, one should not drive under its influence."

Question 13

A young man is brought to the emergency department after having a seizure at home. Assessment reveals a blood pressure of (70/36)mm Hg, a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min, and cardiac dysrhythmias. The most appropriate question the nurse should ask the client's friend is

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?"

Question 14

During history-taking, a client tells the nurse that he is addicted to caffeine and that he drinks 10 to 12 cups of coffee a day as well as several cola drinks and iced tea. The nurse would warn the client that during his NPO status for surgery, he should expect to experience

A) diarrhea.
B) euphoria.
C) headache.
D) itching.

Question 15

To prevent a severe withdrawal reaction from alcohol, the nurse explains that drugs from the benzodiazepine group are given because these agents

A) cause less nausea and vomiting.
B) cause less respiratory depression.
C) inhibit the urge to drink.
D) raise the blood pressure.

Question 16

Primary prevention activities a nurse can perform related to substance abuse include (Select all that apply)

A) education to prevent substance abuse.
B) focusing on relapse prevention.
C) identification of risk factors for abuse.
D) medical detoxification.
E) referral to support and self-help groups.

Question 17

The nurse explains that disorienting flashbacks may be experienced by a client under the influence of

A) alcohol.
B) cocaine.
C) heroin.
D) LSD.

Question 18

The assessment by the nurse that would be significant to help prevent a complication from amphetamine use is to

A) check oxygen levels frequently.
B) keep the lights on continuously.
C) measure intake and output.
D) perform neurologic assessments.