The nurse is preparing to teach a client about addiction, dependence, and withdrawal

Question

The nurse asks the client, "What is the progressive and chronic abuse of a substance caused by an overwhelming feeling that drives someone to use a drug repeatedly despite serious consequences?" Which answer, by the client, is appropriate?

1. Physical dependence
2. Addiction
3. Psychological dependence
4. Withdrawal

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2

Rationale 1: Physical dependence is an altered physical condition caused by the nervous system's adapting to repeated substance use. Over time, the body's cells are tricked into believing that it is normal for the substance to be present continually.
Rationale 2: Addiction is the progressive and chronic abuse of substance caused by an overwhelming feeling that drives someone to use a drug repeatedly despite serious consequences.
Rationale 3: Psychological dependence causes no apparent signs of physical discomfort after the agent is stopped.
Rationale 4: With physical dependence, uncomfortable symptoms, known as withdrawal syndrome, occur when the agent is stopped.

Global Rationale: Addiction is the progressive and chronic abuse of substance caused by an overwhelming feeling that drives someone to use a drug repeatedly despite serious consequences. Physical dependence is an altered physical condition caused by the nervous system's adapting to repeated substance use. Over time, the body's cells are tricked into believing that it is normal for the substance to be present continually. Psychological dependence causes no apparent signs of physical discomfort after the agent is stopped. With physical dependence, uncomfortable symptoms, known as withdrawal syndrome, occurs when the agent is stopped.