The nurse is preparing discharge instructions for a client with a history of alcohol abuse on the third day after an emergency appendectomy. The nurse suspects delirium tremens based on which assessment data? Select all that apply.

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11ecbb05_cc2c_04e7_b433_85bc6a3af1af_MD0009_00 One of every 6 clients undergoing an emergency surgical procedure will show some signs of alcohol withdrawal during the hospital stay. Screening for heavy use of drugs and alcohol should occur at several points during hospitalization to avoid complications of withdrawal. Delirium tremens and other withdrawal symptoms can be prevented with benzodiazepine administration during hospitalization. The stages of alcohol withdrawal do not always occur as a progressive sequence. (Option A) Decreased respiratory rate is not a sign of alcohol withdrawal. It is more commonly seen in alcohol or opiate overdose. (Option D) Clients experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms will be agitated and have tremors and hyperreflexia. Educational objective: Alcohol dependency is frequently missed during the admission process. Clients should always be screened for heavy use of alcohol or benzodiazepines as withdrawal is potentially life-threatening and avoidable. Signs and symptoms of delirium tremens include agitation, fever, tachycardia, hypertension, and diaphoresis.

The Nurse Is Preparing Discharge Instructions for a Client with a History