A hospitalized patient diagnosed with an alcohol abuse disorder believes the window blinds are snakes trying to get in the room. The patient is anxious, agitated, and diaphoretic. The nurse can anticipate the health care provider will prescribe a(n):
a. narcotic analgesic, such as hydromorphone (Dilaudid).
b. sedative, such as lorazepam (Ativan) or chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
c. antipsychotic, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) or thioridazine (Mellaril).
d. monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant, such as phenelzine (Nardil).
ANS: B
Sedation allows for safe withdrawal from alcohol. Benzodiazepines are the drugs of choice in most regions because of their high therapeutic safety index and anticonvulsant properties.
You might also like to view...
The nursing instructor is discussing with students different types of health histories. A student asks when it would be appropriate to take a comprehensive health history. What would be the instructor's best answer? (Select all that apply.)
A) During a hospital admission B) At a clinic visit for a fall C) In the emergency department after a car accident D) During an annual physical examination E) At a screening for sports participation
Adam has been brought to the pediatric outreach center for his kindergarten checkup. The nurse knows that she must assess which of the following areas to achieve a complete musculoskeletal assessment? Select all that apply
1. Physical head-to-toe exam 2. History of birth and since for any major/minor injuries 3. Height and weight 4. Family expectations 5. A Denver II study
The nurse observes that a client admitted for orthopedic surgery also has a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Which drug can achieve a therapeutic effect relative to the client's diagnosis of atrial fibrillation?
1. Isradipine (DynaCirc) 2. Nifedipine (Procardia) 3. Nicardipine (Cardene) 4. Diltiazem (Cardizem)
An obese 57 year old patient describes excessive menstrual bleeding that occurs approximately every 10 days. The nurse educates the patient for which diagnostic test that is used to evaluate for endometrial cancer?
a. Bimanual pelvic examination b. Transvaginal ultrasound c. Sonohysterography d. Endometrial biopsy