Question 1

The nurse is conducting a smoking-cessation program. Which statement regarding drugs used in cigarette-smoking-cessation programs is true?

Accepted Answer

Quick or acute relief from withdrawal symptoms is most easily achieved with the use of the gum, because rapid chewing of the gum produces an immediate dose of nicotine. However, treatment compliance is higher with the use of the trAnswerdermal patch system. Nicotine gum can be used whenever the patient has a strong urge to smoke.

Question 2

A patient is being treated for ethanol alcohol abuse in a rehabilitation center. The nurse will include which information when teaching him about disulfiram (Antabuse) therapy?

Accepted Answer

The use of disulfiram (Antabuse) with alcohol-containing over-the-counter products will elicit severe adverse reactions. As little as 7 mL of alcohol may cause symptoms in a sensitive person. Cigarette smoking does not cause problems when taking disulfiram. Disulfiram does not have the same effects as alcohol.

Question 3

A patient has been taking naltrexone ( ReVia ) as part of the treatment for addiction to heroin. The nurse expects that the naltrexone will have which therapeutic effect for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Naltrexone works to eliminate the euphoria that occurs with opioid drug use; therefore, the reinforcing effect of the drug is lost.

Question 4

The nurse is presenting a substance-abuse lecture for teenage girls and is asked about "roofies." The nurse recognizes that this is the slang term for which substance?

Accepted Answer

Flunitrazepam is a benzodiazepine that has recently gained popularity as a recreational drug and is commonly called roofies (the "date-rape" drug). The other drugs are not known as roofies.

Question 5

A patient in a rehabilitation center is beginning to experience opioid withdrawal symptoms. The nurse expects to administer which drug as part of the treatment?

Accepted Answer

Opioid withdrawal can be managed with either methadone or clonidine (Catapres). Diazepam and disulfiram are used for treatment of alcoholism, and bupropion is used to assist with smoking cessation.

Question 6

When admitting a patient with a suspected diagnosis of chronic alcohol use, the nurse will keep in mind that chronic use of alcohol might result in which condition?

Accepted Answer

A variety of serious neurologic and mental disorders, such as Korsakoff's psychosis and Wernicke's encephalopathy, as well as cirrhosis of the liver, may occur with chronic use of alcohol. Renal failure, cerebrovascular accident, and Alzheimer's disease are not associated directly with chronic use of alcohol.

Question 7

A 38-year-old male patient stopped smoking 6 months ago. He tells the nurse that he still feels strong cigarette cravings and wonders if he is ever going to feel "normal" again. Which statement by the nurse is correct?

Accepted Answer

Cigarette cravings may persist for months after nicotine withdrawal. The other statements are false.

Question 8

The nurse is monitoring a patient who is experiencing severe ethanol withdrawal. Which are signs and symptoms of severe ethanol withdrawal? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Signs and symptoms of severe ethanol withdrawal (delirium tremens) include systolic blood pressure higher than 200 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure higher than 140 mm Hg, pulse rate higher than 140 beats/min, temperature above 101° F (38.3° C), tremors, insomnia, and agitation. See Box 17-6 for all signs and symptoms of ethanol withdrawal.

Question 9

A nurse is providing teaching for a patient who will be taking varenicline (Chantix) as part of a smoking-cessation program. Which teaching points are appropriate for a patient taking this medication? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Patients taking varenicline have reported drowsiness, which has prompted the FDA to recommend caution when driving and engaging in other potentially hazardous activities until the patient can determine how the drug affects his or her mental status. In addition, the FDA has warned about psychiatric symptoms including agitation, depression, and suicidality. Varenicline is an oral tablet, and common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, and insomnia. There are no cautions about taking caffeine while on this drug.

Question 10

A 29-year-old male patient is admitted to the intensive care unit with the following symptoms: restlessness, hyperactive reflexes, talkativeness, confusion and periods of panic and euphoria, tachycardia, and fever. The nurse suspects that he may be experiencing the effects of taking which substance?

Accepted Answer

The adverse effects listed may occur with use of stimulants and are commonly an extension of their therapeutic effects. Opioids, alcohol, and depressants do not have these effects.

Question 11

A patient has been taking disulfiram ( Antabuse ) as part of his rehabilitation therapy. However, this evening, he attended a party and drank half a beer. As a result, he became ill and his friends took him to the emergency department. The nurse will look for which adverse effects associated with acetaldehyde syndrome? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

FAcetaldehyde syndrome results when alcohol is taken while on disulfiram (Antabuse) therapy. Adverse effects include CNS effects (pulsating headache, sweating, marked uneasiness, weakness, vertigo, others); GI effects (nausea, copious vomiting, thirst); and difficulty breathing. Cardiovascular effects also occur;

Quiz 17: Substance Abuse