Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms ( 9 Questions)
A nurse is teaching a client who is prescribed disulfiram (Antabuse) for alcohol use disorder. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
This is incorrect as the effects of disulfiram can last for up to two weeks after the last dose. The client should abstain from alcohol completely while taking disulfiram and for at least 14 days after stopping the medication.
Rationale: Disulfiram works by inhibiting the enzyme that metabolizes alcohol, causing a buildup of acetaldehyde in the body. This produces a severe reaction when alcohol is consumed, which includes flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and hypotension. The reaction can occur even with small amounts of alcohol found in mouthwash, cough syrup, perfume, or food.
This is incorrect as the reaction caused by disulfiram and alcohol is unpleasant and aversive, not euphoric. The purpose of disulfiram is to deter the client from drinking alcohol by creating a negative association.
This is incorrect as disulfiram is not a cure for alcohol use disorder, but a tool to help the client maintain sobriety. The client should continue taking disulfiram as prescribed by the provider and participate in other forms of treatment such as counseling, support groups, and relapse prevention.
Correct answer: b) "I should avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol."
Rationale: Disulfiram works by inhibiting the enzyme that metabolizes alcohol, causing a buildup of acetaldehyde in the body. This produces a severe reaction when alcohol is consumed, which includes flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and hypotension. The reaction can occur even with small amounts of alcohol found in mouthwash, cough syrup, perfume, or food.
Incorrect choices:
a) "I can drink alcohol as long as I skip the dose of disulfiram.": This is incorrect as the effects of disulfiram can last for up to two weeks after the last dose. The client should abstain from alcohol completely while taking disulfiram and for at least 14 days after stopping the medication.
c) "I will experience euphoria if I drink alcohol while taking disulfiram.": This is incorrect as the reaction caused by disulfiram and alcohol is unpleasant and aversive, not euphoric. The purpose of disulfiram is to deter the client from drinking alcohol by creating a negative association.
d) "I can stop taking disulfiram once I have been sober for a month.": This is incorrect as disulfiram is not a cure for alcohol use disorder, but a tool to help the client maintain sobriety. The client should continue taking disulfiram as prescribed by the provider and participate in other forms of treatment such as counseling, support groups, and relapse prevention.