A nurse is completing an assessment on a patient who had just returned from visiting with family in the hospital cafeteria. The nurse notices the patient has slow motor activity, is staring at the wall, and has bloodshot eyes. Which substance does the nurse suspect the patient has consumed?

Question

1. Alcohol
2. Marijuana
3. Cocaine
4. Ketamine

Answer 1

2

Rationale 1:Alcohol intoxication occurs when muscle coordination is lost and mental function is affected.
Rationale 2: Use of marijuana slows motor activity, and causes decreased coordination, disconnected thoughts, paranoia, and euphoria.
Rationale 3:Use of cocaine can cause euphoria, psychosis, and lethargy.
Rationale 4:Use of ketamine can cause euphoria and is used for anesthesia.

Global Rationale: Use of marijuana slows motor activity, and causes decreased coordination, disconnected thoughts, paranoia, and euphoria. It increases thirst and craving for food, particularly chocolate and other sweets. One hallmark symptom of marijuana use is red or bloodshot eyes, caused by dilation of blood vessels. Alcohol intoxication occurs when muscle coordination is lost and mental function is affected. Use of cocaine can cause euphoria, psychosis, and lethargy. Use of ketamine can cause euphoria and is used for anesthesia.