A 52-year-old client with a history of alcohol dependence is admitted to a detoxification unit. The client has tremors, is anxious, has a pulse that has risen from 98 to 110 beats/min, has blood pressure that has risen from 140/88 to 152/100 mm Hg, and has a temperature 0.6° above normal. The client is slightly diaphoretic. Which nursing diagnosis would be the priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client is experiencing alcohol withdrawal and protecting the client from injury is the priority at this time. Although the client may be coping ineffectively or denying the alcoholism, the client's physical safety is a top priority. There is no indication to suggest that the client's thought processes are disturbed.

A 52-Year-Old Client with a History of Alcohol Dependence Is