A patient who is an active alcoholic is admitted to the hospital for surgery. The nurse reviewing orders for this patient would be correct to question which postoperative medication for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acetaminophen poses a risk of fatal liver damage in alcoholics, because evidence indicates that even modest alcohol consumption combined with acetaminophen has this effect. Diazepam would probably be useful in this case, because it is used to aid alcohol withdrawal. However, diazepam cannot be taken with alcohol, because the central nervous system (CNS)-depressive effects would be compounded. Likewise, morphine is safe as long as it is not given with alcohol. Thiamine is a vitamin that often is deficient in alcoholics, so thiamine would be indicated.

A Patient Who Is an Active Alcoholic Is Admitted to the Hospital