Chapter 22: Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
Halter: Varcarolis’ Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical
Approach, 8th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A patient diagnosed with alcohol use disorder asks, “How will Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
help me?” Select the nurse’s best response.
a. “The goal of AA is for members to learn controlled drinking with the support of a
higher power.”
b. “An individual is supported by peers while striving for abstinence one day at a
time.”
c. “You must make a commitment to permanently abstain from alcohol and other
drugs.”
d. “You will be assigned a sponsor who will plan your treatment program.”
ANS: B
Admitting to being an alcoholic, making an attempt to remain alcohol-free for a day at a time,
and receiving support from peers are basic aspects of AA. The other options are incorrect.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 22-48, 50, 51
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
2. A nurse reviews vital signs for a patient admitted with an injury sustained while intoxicated.
The medical record shows these blood pressure and pulse readings at the times listed:
0200: 118/78 mm Hg and 72 beats/minute
0400: 126/80 mm Hg and 76 beats/minute
0600: 128/82 mm Hg and 72 beats/minute
0800: 132/88 mm Hg and 80 beats/minute
1000: 148/94 mm Hg and 96 beats/minute
What is the nurse’s priority action?
a. Force fluids.
b. Begin the detox protocol.
c. Obtain a clean-catch urine sample.
d. Place the patient in a vest-type restraint.
ANS: B
Elevated pulse and blood pressure may indicate impending alcohol withdrawal and the need
for detox with medical intervention to prevent a hypertensive crisis and/or seizures. No
indication is present that the patient may have a urinary tract infection or is presently in need
of restraint. Hydration will not resolve the problem.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)
REF: Pages 22-31, 32, 38, 39
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
3. A nurse cares for a patient experiencing an opioid overdose. Which focused assessment has
the highest priority?
a. Cardiovascular
b. Respiratory
c. Neurological
d. Hepatic
ANS: B
Opioid overdose causes respiratory depression. Respiratory depression is the primary cause of
death among opioid abusers. The assessment of the other body systems is relevant but not the
priority.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)
REF: Pages 22-21, 58 (Table 22-1)
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
4. A patient admitted for injuries sustained while intoxicated has been hospitalized for 48 hours.
The patient is now shaky, irritable, anxious, diaphoretic, and reports nightmares. The pulse
rate is 130 beats/minute. The patient shouts, “Bugs are crawling on my bed. I’ve got to get out
of here.” Select the most accurate assessment of this situation. The patient
a. is attempting to obtain attention by manipulating staff.
b. may have sustained a head injury before admission.
c. has symptoms of alcohol withdrawal delirium.
d. is having an acute psychosis.
ANS: C
Symptoms of agitation, elevated pulse, and perceptual distortions indicate alcohol withdrawal
delirium. The findings are inconsistent with manipulative attempts, head injury, or functional
psychosis.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 22-31, 32, 72 (Table 22-6)
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
5. A patient admitted yesterday for injuries sustained while intoxicated believes insects are
crawling on the bed. The patient is anxious, agitated, and diaphoretic. What is the priority
nursing diagnosis?
a. Disturbed sensory perception
b. Ineffective coping
c. Ineffective denial
d. Risk for injury
ANS: D
The patient’s clouded sensorium, sensory perceptual distortions, and poor judgment
predispose a risk for injury. Safety is the nurse’s priority. The other diagnoses may apply but
are not the priorities of care.
PTS:
REF:
TOP:
MSC:
1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)
Pages 22-31, 32 | Pages 22-39, 69 (Table 22-5)
Nursing Process: Diagnosis/Analysis
Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
6. A hospitalized patient diagnosed with alcohol use disorder believes the window blinds are
snakes trying to get in the room. The patient is anxious, agitated, and diaphoretic. The nurse
can anticipate the health care provider will prescribe a(n)
a.
b.
c.
d.
narcotic analgesic, such as hydromorphone.
sedative, such as lorazepam or chlordiazepoxide.
antipsychotic, such as olanzapine or thioridazine.
monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant, such as phenelzine.
ANS: B
Sedation allows for safe withdrawal from alcohol. Benzodiazepines are the drugs of choice in
most regions because of their high therapeutic safety index and anticonvulsant properties.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 22-31, 32, 72 (Table 22-6)
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
7. A hospitalized patient diagnosed with alcohol use disorder believes spiders are spinning
entrapping webs in the room. The patient is fearful, agitated, and diaphoretic. Which nursing
intervention is indicated?
a. Check the patient every 15 minutes
b. One-on-one supervision
c. Keep the room dimly lit
d. Force fluids
ANS: B
One-on-one supervision is necessary to promote physical safety until sedation reduces the
patient’s feelings of terror. Checks every 15 minutes would not be sufficient to provide for
safety. A dimly lit room promotes perceptual disturbances. Excessive fluid intake can cause
overhydration, because fluid retention normally occurs when blood alcohol levels fall.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 22-32, 39, 40, 69 (Table 22-5)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
8. A patient diagnosed with alcohol use disorder says, “Drinking helps me cope with being a
single parent.” Which therapeutic response by the nurse would help the patient conceptualize
the drinking objectively?
a. “Sooner or later, alcohol will kill you. Then what will happen to your children?”
b. “I hear a lot of defensiveness in your voice. Do you really believe this?”
c. “If you were coping so well, why were you hospitalized again?”
d. “Tell me what happened the last time you drank.”
ANS: D
The correct response will help the patient see alcohol as a cause of the problems, not a
solution, and begin to take responsibility. This approach can help the patient become receptive
to the possibility of change. The other responses directly confront and attack defenses against
anxiety that the patient still needs. They reflect the nurse’s frustration with the patient.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 22-42, 75 (Box 22-3)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
9. A patient asks for information about AA. Select the nurse’s best response. “AA is a
a. form of group therapy led by a psychiatrist.”
b. self-help group for which the goal is sobriety.”
c. group that learns about drinking from a group leader.”
d. network that advocates strong punishment for drunk drivers.”
ANS: B
AA is a peer support group for recovering alcoholics. Neither professional nor peer leaders are
appointed.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 22-48, 50, 51
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
10. Police bring a patient to the emergency department after an automobile accident. The patient
demonstrates poor coordination and slurred speech but the vital signs are normal. The blood
alcohol level is 300 mg/dL (0.30 g/dL). Considering the relationship between the assessment
findings and blood alcohol level, which conclusion is most probable? The patient
a. rarely drinks alcohol.
b. has a high tolerance to alcohol.
c. has been treated with disulfiram (Antabuse).
d. has ingested both alcohol and sedative drugs recently.
ANS: B
A nontolerant drinker would have sleepiness and significant changes in vital signs with a
blood alcohol level of 300 mg/dL (0.30 g/dL). The fact that the patient is moving and talking
shows a discrepancy between blood alcohol level and expected behavior and strongly
indicates that the patient’s body is tolerant. If disulfiram and alcohol are ingested together, an
entirely different clinical picture would result. The blood alcohol level gives no information
about ingestion of other drugs.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)
REF: Pages 22-6, 30, 31, 33 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan, Alcohol Use Disorder), 37
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
11. A patient admitted to an alcohol rehabilitation program tells the nurse, “I’m actually just a
social drinker. I usually have a drink at lunch, two in the afternoon, wine with dinner, and a
few drinks during the evening.” The patient is using which defense mechanism?
a. Denial
b. Projection
c. Introjection
d. Rationalization
ANS: A
Minimizing one’s drinking is a form of denial of alcoholism. The patient is more than a social
drinker. Projection involves blaming another for one’s faults or problems. Rationalization
involves making excuses. Introjection involves incorporating a quality of another person or
group into one’s own personality.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 22-33 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan, Alcohol Use Disorder), 69 (Table 22-5)
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
12. Which medication to maintain abstinence would most likely be prescribed for patients with an
addiction to either alcohol or opioids?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Bromocriptine
Methadone
Disulfiram
Naltrexone
ANS: D
Naltrexone (ReVia) is useful for treating both opioid and alcohol addiction. An opioid
antagonist blocks the action of opioids and the mechanism of reinforcement. It also reduces or
eliminates alcohol craving.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 22-22, 72 (Table 22-6)
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
13. During the third week of treatment, the spouse of a patient in a rehabilitation program for
substance abuse says, “After this treatment program, I think everything will be all right.”
Which remark by the nurse will be most helpful to the spouse?
a. “While sobriety solves some problems, new ones may emerge as one adjusts to
living without drugs and alcohol.”
b. “It will be important for you to structure life to avoid as much stress as you can
and provide social protection.”
c. “Addiction is a lifelong disease of self-destruction. You will need to observe your
spouse’s behavior carefully.”
d. “It is good that you are supportive of your spouse’s sobriety and want to help
maintain it.”
ANS: A
During recovery, patients identify and use alternative coping mechanisms to reduce reliance
on substances. Physical adaptations must occur. Emotional responses were previously dulled
by alcohol but are now fully experienced and may cause considerable anxiety. These changes
inevitably have an effect on the spouse and children, who need anticipatory guidance and
accurate information.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 22-33 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan, Alcohol Use Disorder), 40, 41, 51
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
14. The treatment team discusses the plan of care for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia and
daily cannabis abuse who is having increased hallucinations and delusions. To plan effective
treatment, the team should
a. provide long-term care for the patient in a residential facility.
b. withdraw the patient from cannabis, then treat the schizophrenia.
c. consider each diagnosis primary and provide simultaneous treatment.
d. first treat the schizophrenia, then establish goals for substance abuse treatment.
ANS: C
Both diagnoses should be considered primary and receive simultaneous treatment. Comorbid
disorders require longer treatment and progress is slower, but treatment may occur in the
community.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 22-8, 9, 48, 49
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
15. Select the most therapeutic manner for a nurse working with a patient beginning treatment for
alcohol addiction.
a. Empathetic, supportive
b. Skeptical, guarded
c. Cool, distant
d. Confrontational
ANS: A
Support and empathy assist the patient to feel safe enough to start looking at problems.
Counseling during the early stage of treatment needs to be direct, open, and honest. The other
approaches will increase patient anxiety and cause the patient to cling to defenses.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 22-33 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan, Alcohol Use Disorder), 40, 41
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
16. Which features should be present in a therapeutic milieu for a patient experiencing a
hallucinogen overdose?
a. Simple and safe
b. Active and bright
c. Stimulating and colorful
d. Confrontational and challenging
ANS: A
Because the individual who has ingested a hallucinogen is probably experiencing feelings of
unreality and altered sensory perceptions, the best environment is one that does not add to the
stimulation. A simple, safe environment is a better choice than an environment with any of the
characteristics listed in the other options. The other options would contribute to a “bad trip.”
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 22-16, 58 (Table 22-1)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
17. When a patient first began using alcohol, two drinks produced relaxation and drowsiness.
After 1 year, four drinks are needed to achieve the same response. Why has this change
occurred?
a. Tolerance has developed.
b. Antagonistic effects are evident.
c. Metabolism of the alcohol is now delayed.
d. Pharmacokinetics of the alcohol have changed.
ANS: A
Tolerance refers to needing higher and higher doses of a drug to produce the desired effect.
The potency of the alcohol is stable. Neither hypomagnesemia nor antagonistic effects
account for this change.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 22-6, 33 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan, Alcohol Use Disorder)
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
18. At a meeting for family members of alcoholics, a spouse says, “I did everything I could to
help. I even requested sick leave when my partner was too drunk to go to work.” The nurse
assesses these comments as
a. codependence.
b. assertiveness.
c. role reversal.
d. homeostasis.
ANS: A
Codependence refers to participating in behaviors that maintain the addiction or allow it to
continue without holding the user accountable for his or her actions. The other options are not
supported by information given in the scenario.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 22-33 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan, Alcohol Use Disorder), 38
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
19. In the emergency department, a patient’s vital signs are BP 66/40 mm Hg; pulse 140
beats/minute; respirations 8 breaths/minute and shallow. The nursing diagnosis is Ineffective
breathing pattern related to depression of respiratory center secondary to opioid intoxication.
Select the priority outcome.
a. The patient will demonstrate effective coping skills and identify community
resources for treatment of substance abuse within 1 week of hospitalization.
b. Within 4 hours, vital signs will stabilize, with BP above 90/60 mm Hg, pulse less
than 100 beats/minute, and respirations at or above 12 breaths/minute.
c. The patient will correctly describe a plan for home care and achieving a drug-free
state before release from the emergency department.
d. Within 6 hours, the patient’s breath sounds will be clear bilaterally and throughout
lung fields.
ANS: B
The correct short-term outcome is the only one that relates to the patient’s physical condition.
It is expected that vital signs will return to normal when the CNS depression is alleviated. The
patient’s respirations are slow and shallow, but there is no evidence of congestion.
PTS:
REF:
TOP:
MSC:
1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
Pages 22-20, 58 (Table 22-1) | Page 22-69 (Table 22-5)
Nursing Process: Planning/Outcomes Identification
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
20. Family members of an individual undergoing a residential alcohol rehabilitation program ask,
“How can we help?” Select the nurse’s best response.
a. “Alcoholism is a lifelong disease. Relapses are expected.”
b. “Use search and destroy tactics to keep the home alcohol free.”
c. “It’s important that you visit your family member on a regular basis.”
d. “Make your loved one responsible for the consequences of behavior.”
ANS: D
Often, the addicted individual has been enabled when others picked up the pieces for him or
her. The individual never faced the consequences of his or her own behaviors, all of which
relate to taking responsibility. Learning to face those consequences is part of the recovery
process. The other options are codependent behaviors or are of no help.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 22-33 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan, Alcohol Use Disorder), 39, 69 (Table 22-5),
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
21. Which goal for treatment of alcohol use disorder should the nurse address first?
a. Learn about addiction and recovery.
b. Develop alternate coping strategies.
c. Develop a peer support system.
d. Achieve physiological stability.
ANS: D
The individual must have completed withdrawal and achieved physiological stability before
he or she is able to address any of the other treatment goals.
PTS:
REF:
TOP:
MSC:
1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
Pages 22-33 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan, Alcohol Use Disorder), 40
Nursing Process: Outcomes Identification
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
22. A patient diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder was treated several times for
substance abuse, but each time the patient relapsed. Which treatment approach is most
appropriate?
a. 1-week detoxification program
b. Long-term outpatient therapy
c. 12-step self-help program
d. Residential program
ANS: D
Residential programs and therapeutic communities help patients change lifestyles, abstain
from drugs, eliminate criminal behaviors, develop employment skills, become self-reliant, and
practice honesty. Residential programs are more effective for patients with antisocial
tendencies than outpatient programs.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 22-20, 21, 48, 49
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
23. Select the priority nursing intervention when caring for a patient after an overdose of
amphetamines.
a. Monitor vital signs.
b. Observe for depression.
c. Awaken the patient every 15 minutes.
d. Use warmers to maintain body temperature.
ANS: A
An overdose of stimulants, such as amphetamines, can produce respiratory and circulatory
dysfunction as well as hyperthermia. Concentration is impaired. This patient will be
hypervigilant; it is not necessary to awaken the patient.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Page 22-58 (Table 22-1) | Pages 22-39, 69 (Table 22-5), 74 (Box 22-2)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
24. Symptoms of withdrawal from opioids for which the nurse should assess include
a. dilated pupils, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, and elation.
b. nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, anxiety, and hyperreflexia.
c. mood lability, incoordination, fever, and drowsiness.
d. excessive eating, constipation, and headache.
ANS: B
The symptoms of withdrawal from opioids are similar to those of alcohol withdrawal.
Hyperthermia is likely to produce periods of diaphoresis.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Page 22-58 (Table 22-1) | Pages 22-39, 69 (Table 22-5), 73 (Box 22-1)
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
25. A patient has smoked two packs of cigarettes daily for many years. When the patient tries to
reduce smoking, anxiety, craving, poor concentration, and headache occur. This scenario
describes
a. cross-tolerance.
b. substance abuse.
c. substance addiction.
d. substance intoxication.
ANS: C
Nicotine meets the criteria for a “substance,” the criterion for addiction is present, and
withdrawal symptoms are noted with abstinence or reduction of dose. The scenario does not
meet criteria for substance abuse, intoxication, or cross-tolerance.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Page 22-5
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
26. Which assessment findings are likely for an individual who recently injected heroin?
a. Anxiety, restlessness, paranoid delusions
b. Muscle aching, dilated pupils, tachycardia
c. Heightened sexuality, insomnia, euphoria
d. Drowsiness, constricted pupils, slurred speech
ANS: D
Heroin, an opiate, is a CNS depressant. Blood pressure, pulse, and respirations will be
decreased, and attention will be impaired. The distracters describe behaviors consistent with
amphetamine use, symptoms of narcotic withdrawal, and cocaine use.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 22-19, 58 (Table 22-1), 73 (Box 22-1)
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
27. An adult in the emergency department states, “Everything I see appears to be waving. I am
outside my body looking at myself. I think I’m losing my mind.” Vital signs are slightly
elevated. The nurse should suspect
a. a schizophrenic episode.
b. hallucinogen ingestion.
c. opium intoxication.
d. cocaine overdose.
ANS: B
The patient who is high on a hallucinogen often experiences synesthesia (visions in sound),
depersonalization, and concerns about going “crazy.” Synesthesia is not common in
schizophrenia. CNS stimulant overdose more commonly involves elevated vital signs and
assaultive, grandiose behaviors. Phencyclidine (PCP) use commonly causes bizarre or violent
behavior, nystagmus, elevated vital signs, and repetitive jerking movements.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 22-16, 58 (Table 22-1)
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
28. A nurse wants to research epidemiology, assessment techniques, and best practices regarding
persons with addictions. Which resource will provide the most comprehensive information?
a. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
b. Institute of Medicine (IOM)–National Research Council
c. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
d. American Society of Addictions Medicine
ANS: A
The SAMHSA is the official resource for comprehensive information regarding addictions.
The other resources have relevant information, but they are not as comprehensive.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 22-2, 3
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
29. A patient is thin, tense, jittery, and has dilated pupils. The patient says, “My heart is pounding
in my chest. I need help.” The patient allows vital signs to be taken but then becomes
suspicious and says, “You could be trying to kill me.” The patient refuses further examination.
Abuse of which substance is most likely?
a. PCP
b. Heroin
c. Barbiturates
d. Amphetamines
ANS: D
The physical symptoms are consistent with CNS stimulation. Suspicion and paranoid ideation
are also present. Amphetamine use is likely. PCP use would probably result in bizarre, violent
behavior. Barbiturates and heroin would result in symptoms of CNS depression.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Page 22-58 (Table 22-1) | Pages 22-39, 69 (Table 22-5), 74 (Box 22-2)
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
30. Select the priority outcome for a patient completing the fourth alcohol detoxification program
in the past year. Prior to discharge, the patient will
a. state, “I know I need long-term treatment.”
b. use denial and rationalization in healthy ways.
c. identify constructive outlets for expression of anger.
d. develop a trusting relationship with one staff member.
ANS: A
The correct response recognizes the need for ongoing treatment after detoxification and is the
best goal related to controlling relapse. The scenario does not give enough information to
determine whether anger has been identified as a problem. A trusting relationship, while
desirable, should have occurred earlier in treatment.
PTS:
REF:
TOP:
MSC:
1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
Pages 22-5, 33 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan, Alcohol Use Disorder), 40, 51
Nursing Process: Planning/Outcomes Identification
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
31. A nurse prepares for an initial interaction with a patient with a long history of
methamphetamine abuse. Which is the nurse’s best first action?
a. Perform a thorough assessment of the patient.
b. Verify that security services are immediately available.
c. Self-assess personal attitude, values, and beliefs about this health problem.
d. Obtain a face shield because oral hygiene is poor in methamphetamine abusers.
ANS: C
The nurse should show compassion, care, and helpfulness for all patients, including those with
addictive diseases. It is important to have a clear understanding of one’s own perspective.
Negative feelings may occur for the nurse; supervision is an important resource. The activities
identified in the distracters occur after self-assessment.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 22-33 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan, Alcohol Use Disorder), 38
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. A patient undergoing alcohol rehabilitation decides to begin disulfiram therapy. Patient
teaching should include the need to (Select all that apply)
a. avoid aged cheeses.
b. avoid alcohol-based skin products.
c. read labels of all liquid medications.
d. wear sunscreen and avoid bright sunlight.
e. maintain an adequate dietary intake of sodium.
f. avoid breathing fumes of paints, stains, and stripping compounds.
ANS: B, C, F
The patient must avoid hidden sources of alcohol. Many liquid medications, such as cough
syrups, contain small amounts of alcohol that could trigger an alcohol-disulfiram reaction.
Using alcohol-based skin products such as aftershave or cologne, smelling alcohol-laden
fumes, and eating foods prepared with wine, brandy, or beer may also trigger reactions. The
other options do not relate to hidden sources of alcohol.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Page 22-72 (Table 22-16)
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
2. The nurse can assist a patient to prevent substance abuse relapse by (Select all that apply)
a. rehearsing techniques to handle anticipated stressful situations.
b. advising the patient to accept residential treatment if relapse occurs.
c. assisting the patient to identify life skills needed for effective coping.
d. advising isolating self from significant others until sobriety is established.
e. informing the patient of physical changes to expect as the body adapts to
functioning without substances.
ANS: A, C, E
Nurses can be helpful as a patient assesses needed life skills and in providing appropriate
referrals. Anticipatory problem solving and role playing are good ways of rehearsing effective
strategies for handling stressful situations and helping the patient evaluate the usefulness of
new strategies. The nurse can provide valuable information about physiological changes
expected and ways to cope with these changes. Residential treatment is not usually necessary
after relapse. Patients need the support of friends and family to establish and maintain
sobriety.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 22-33 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan, Alcohol Use Disorder), 40, 42, 43
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
3. After discovering discrepancies and missing controlled substances, the nursing supervisor
determines that a valued, experienced staff nurse is responsible. Which actions should the
nursing supervisor take? (Select all that apply.)
a. Refer the nurse to a peer assistance program.
b. Confront the nurse in the presence of a witness.
c. Immediately terminate the nurse’s employment.
d. Relieve the nurse of responsibilities for patient care.
e. Require the nurse to undergo immediate drug testing.
ANS: A, D
Registered nurses may have personal substance use problems. The nursing supervisor should
provide for safe patient care by relieving the nurse of responsibility for patient care. For those
nurses experiencing addictions, there are nonpunitive alternatives to discipline programs in
the form of peer assistance. Many state boards of nursing have developed an alternative to
discipline program to help impaired nurses. Terminating the nurse’s employment and
confronting the nurse in the presence of a witness are punitive actions. The peer assistance
program will manage drug testing.
PTS: 1
REF: Page 22-38
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
4. A new patient beginning an alcohol rehabilitation program says, “I’m just a social drinker. I
usually have one drink at lunch, two in the afternoon, wine at dinner, and a few drinks during
the evening.” Which responses by the nurse will be most therapeutic? (Select all that apply.)
a. “I see,” and use interested silence.
b. “I think you are drinking more than you report.”
c. “Social drinkers have one or two drinks, once or twice a week.”
d. “You describe drinking steadily throughout the day and evening.”
e. “Your comments show denial of the seriousness of your problem.”
ANS: C, D
The correct answers give information, summarize, and validate what the patient reported but
are not strongly confrontational. Defenses cannot be removed until healthier coping strategies
are in place. Strong confrontation does not usually take place so early in the program.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)
REF: Pages 22-33 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan, Alcohol Use Disorder), 41, 42
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity