The client is admitted to the inpatient substance abuse unit. She tells the nurse she has been buying "yellow jackets" (pentobarbital, or Nembutal) on the street, but has not had any for a few days. What is the priority action of the nurse at this time?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Yellow jackets are a form of pentobarbital, which is a barbiturate. Barbiturate withdrawal can be life-threatening, as it can cause seizures and respiratory depression. Therefore, the priority action of the nurse should be to prepare to manage a withdrawal that could be life-threatening. Frequent room searches may be necessary, but they are not the priority at this time. The client may or may not have depression and suicidal thoughts, but these are not the priority at this time. Withdrawal from barbiturates is not typically minimal and can be severe.

The Client Is Admitted to the Inpatient Substance Abuse Unit