The nurse has completed an assessment on a patient who came to the clinic for a leg injury. As a result of the assessment, the nurse has determined that the patient has at-risk alcohol use. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate at this time?
a. Record the results of the assessment, and notify the physician on call.
b. State, "You are drinking more than is medically safe. I strongly recommend that you quit drinking, and I'm willing to help you."
c. State, "It appears that you may have a drinking problem. Here is the telephone number of our local Alcoholics Anonymous chapter."
d. Give the patient information about a local rehabilitation clinic.
ANS: B
If an assessment has determined that the patient has at-risk drinking behavior, then the nurse should give a short but clear statement of assistance and concern. Simply giving out a telephone number or referral to agencies may not be enough.
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