The nurse provides teaching for a client newly prescribed disulfiram for alcohol abstinence. Which information is the priority for the nurse to include?

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Disulfiram (Antabuse) is a form of aversion therapy that promotes abstinence from alcohol. If the client consumes alcohol while taking disulfiram, unpleasant side effects (eg, headache, intense nausea/vomiting, flushed skin, sweating, dyspnea, confusion, tachycardia, hypotension) can occur. If large amounts are consumed, the reaction can be fatal. Disulfiram therapy does not cure alcoholism; the client should continue seeing a therapist (Options A and B). Due to the hazards of treatment, clients are carefully selected for disulfiram therapy, and informed consent is often required. It is a priority for the nurse to educate the client about the hazards of drinking alcohol and about sources of hidden alcohol (Option C). Teaching includes: Avoid hidden alcohol in: liquid cold and cough medications aftershave lotions, colognes, and mouthwashes foods such as sauces, vinegars, and flavor extracts Abstain from alcohol for 2 weeks after the last dose as the disulfiram reaction could still occur Wear a bracelet alerting others of being on disulfiram therapy (Option D) Educational objective: Disulfiram is a medication that promotes abstinence from alcohol by causing uncomfortable, potentially fatal reactions when alcohol is consumed. Clients must avoid sources of hidden alcohol (eg, liquid cough medicine, aftershave, mouthwash). Effects of the drug can last 2 weeks after the last dose.

The Nurse Provides Teaching for a Client Newly Prescribed Disulfiram