A client who had surgical repair of a hip fracture 2 days ago drinks about 10 alcoholic drinks a day; the last drink was 52 hours ago. The client is now disoriented to place and time, is picking at the air, and says insects are crawling on the walls. Vital signs: T 38.4°C (101.1°F), HR 126/min, BP 176/102 mm Hg, RR 24/min, SpO2 96% on room air; capillary blood glucose is 112 mg/dL. The client is diaphoretic and tremulous. Which prescription should the nurse implement first?
- ALorazepam 2 mg IV
- BHaloperidol 5 mg IM
- CAcetaminophen 650 mg orally for fever
- DUrine drug screen
Show answer and explanations
Answer
A
A: The prescribed benzodiazepine addresses severe alcohol withdrawal and seizure risk. B: Haloperidol alone does not treat the underlying withdrawal physiology or protect against seizures. C: An antipyretic does not address the dangerous withdrawal process. D: Testing should not delay treatment of severe withdrawal.
A
The prescribed benzodiazepine addresses severe alcohol withdrawal and seizure risk.
B
Haloperidol alone does not treat the underlying withdrawal physiology or protect against seizures.
C
An antipyretic does not address the dangerous withdrawal process.
D
Testing should not delay treatment of severe withdrawal.