During history-taking, a patient tells the nurse that he is addicted to alprazolam and that he takes six 1 mg tablets a day. He quit cold turkey yesterday and now presents with extreme agitation, increased heart rate, and panic
The nurse suspects which disorder?
a. Stress reaction
b. Delerium tremens
c. Overdose
d. Relapse
ANS: A
Stress reaction is a withdrawal symptom that can occur when detoxing too quickly. DTs are usually associated with alcohol withdrawal. Overdose of alprazolam would present with extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, and loss of balance or coordination. The effects of alprazolam are dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and lightheadedness.
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