A nurse at the detoxification center is caring for a severely malnourished client with a history of chronic alcohol abuse. Which of the following nursing care measures should be employed when caring for the client during the time of withdrawal?

Question

A) Provide high-calorie, carbohydrate-rich food to the client.
B) Encourage the client to drink only water.
C) Avoid the joint administration of electrolytes and intravenous fluids.
D) Position the client on the side if the client has vomiting or nausea.

Answer 1

D
Feedback:
If the client has vomiting or nausea, the nurse should position the client on the side to prevent aspiration. The nurse should provide small, low-carbohydrate meals, because rapid feeding of high-calorie, high-carbohydrate food can cause refeeding syndrome. Encouraging the client to drink only water can contribute to electrolyte imbalance, so the nurse should encourage the client to drink a variety of fluids. Electrolytes can be given along with intravenous fluids.