The nurse is caring for a patient who is being treated for chronic alcohol intoxication. The nurse notes that the patient's serum alcohol level is 0.40 mg%. The patient is awake and talkative even though this is a potentially lethal dose
The nurse recognizes this as alcohol
a. addiction.
b. dependence.
c. misuse.
d. tolerance.
ANS: D
Intoxication is a state of being influenced by a drug or other substance and may be a very small amount in the drug-naïve person or a potentially lethal amount in the chronic user. This person has developed tolerance to alcohol and is able to have a potentially lethal amount without severe effects. Addiction describes a state of emotional, mental, and physical dependence on a drug. Dependence describes physical need for the drug such that when the drug is stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur. Misuse refers to using a drug or substance to excess.
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