A patient is admitted 18 hours after stopping heavy alcohol use. Which finding should the nurse report first?
Correct answer: C. Visual hallucinations with severe agitation and sweating
- A. Mild nausea and reduced appetite
- B. Fine hand tremor with mild anxiety
- C. Visual hallucinations with severe agitation and sweating
- D. Headache with increased sensitivity to light
Explanation
Hallucinations, severe agitation, and marked sweating may indicate severe alcohol withdrawal and progression toward delirium tremens. This condition can cause seizures, extreme autonomic instability, and death, so safety, vital signs, and urgent treatment take priority.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Substance Use Disorders
Substance use disorders cover problematic use, intoxication, tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and the effects of alcohol, opioids, sedatives, stimulants, cannabis, and other substances. The topic includes assessment, overdose and withdrawal management, detoxification, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, and the difference between physical dependence and addiction.
Practise Substance Use Disorders
40 free Substance Use Disorders MCQs from Mental Health Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Mental Health Nursing questions like this
Mental Health Nursing is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Substance Use Disorders questions
A patient is unresponsive after suspected opioid use. The respiratory rate is 6 per minute, and the lips are blue. Which action is the priority?
Which finding best describes tolerance to a substance?
Which statement about benzodiazepine withdrawal is correct?
Which nurse statement best uses motivational interviewing with a patient who is not ready to stop drinking?
Which statement best distinguishes physical dependence from addiction?
A patient presents with severe agitation, dilated pupils, chest discomfort, and a very high pulse after using cocaine. Which nursing action is the priority?