A patient, with a history of drug addiction, is recovering from abdominal surgery to remove a bullet lodged in his spine. He is complaining of aching joints and muscles, and has a sudden onset of a runny nose

Question

The nurse realizes these symptoms are seen in which of the commonly abused substances? 1. alcohol
2. barbiturates
3. opiates
4. cocaine

Answer 1

3

Rationale: Manifestations of opiate withdrawal are initially mild and become more severe to include runny nose, diarrhea, abdominal pain, chills, gooseflesh, insomnia, aching joints and muscles, nausea and vomiting, muscle twitching and tremors, and mental depression. Manifestations of alcohol withdrawal include headache, anxiety, depression, nervousness, shakiness, irritability, depression, fatigue, clouded thinking, and nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. Manifestations of barbiturate withdrawal are similar to alcohol withdrawal. Manifestations of cocaine withdrawal are primarily psychological and include rapid onset of depression, fatigue, sleepiness, strong craving for more cocaine, loss of pleasure, and also experiencing paranoia or agitation.