The nurse must be able to distinguish between alcohol intoxication and alcohol withdrawal to intervene appropriately. The nurse suspects alcohol intoxication when the patient does which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
a. Slurs his speech when answering questions
b. Has difficulty remembering his address
c. Reports seeing snakes in the corner of the room
d. Documents his blood pressure as 168/90
e. Experiences difficulty when walking to the bathroom
A, B, E
Signs associated with alcohol intoxication include the scent of alcohol on the breath, slurred speech, lack of coordination, unsteady gait, nystagmus, impairment in attention or memory, and stupor or coma. Manifestations of alcohol withdrawal are elevated blood pressure, elevated pulse, and autonomic hyperactivity. In addition, fever; increased hand tremors; insomnia, nausea and vomiting; transient visual, tactile, or auditory hallucinations or illusions; psychomotor agitation; anxiety; and grand mal seizures may occur.
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