A client arrives at the clinic shaky and requesting a refill on a prescription for alprazolam (Xanax). The nurse suspects that the client might be experiencing substance withdrawal. Which comment by the client would most tend to confirm your suspicion?
A) "Lately I've had to double up on my dose just for it to be effective."
B) "I ran out of pills a week ago and have felt sweaty and agitated ever since."
C) "I feel like I just can't function without the medicine."
D) "The medicine has been wonderful. I think one more refill should do it for me."
Ans: B
Feedback:
Withdrawal is reduction in prolonged substance use that results in problematic behavioral, physiological, and cognitive changes. Tolerance is the diminished physical and/or psychological response to effects of alcohol or illicit substances. A person develops tolerance when he or she needs to use higher doses of alcohol or illicit substances to achieve the desired euphoric effect. Feeling like one cannot function without a substance is a sign of substance dependence. Praising the medication and requesting another refill could be a sign of substance dependence.
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