An older adult patient shares with the admitting nurse that she drinks "one shot" of whiskey nightly to help her sleep.The nurse documents the need to:

Question

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It is important to assess older patients for the possibility of alcohol withdrawal if agitation,hallucinations,anxiety,or seizures develop.Because the patient admits to a shot a day,it is possible she drinks more or uses alcohol to self-medicate for problems other than insomnia.The nurse should monitor the patient for signs of withdrawal as a priority,because this is a medical emergency.Slurred speech,lack of coordination,and nystagmus are signs of overindulging.The nurse should not provide an alcohol substitute.It is appropriate to discuss the effects of alcohol,but safety comes first.

An Older Adult Patient Shares with the Admitting Nurse That