Question

A nurse on an inpatient psychiatric unit is caring for a client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. The nurse is evaluating the client after interventions for alcohol withdrawal syndrome have been implemented. Which of the following findings indicate a positive response to therapy? (Select all that apply.)

A) Increased agitation
B) Elevated blood pressure
C) Decreased hand tremors
D) Hallucinations
E) Improved sleep pattern

Answer 1

Indicators of a positive response to therapy for alcohol withdrawal syndrome include decreased hand tremors and an improved sleep pattern. Increased agitation, elevated blood pressure, and hallucinations are not positive signs and would not indicate effective therapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse evaluating a client for positive responses to therapy after interventions for alcohol withdrawal syndrome would look for signs that indicate an improvement in the client's condition. These signs include decreased physiological and psychological symptoms that are commonly associated with withdrawal.

• Decreased hand tremors: This suggests reduced neurological agitation, a common and distressing symptom of alcohol withdrawal.
• Improved sleep pattern: Difficulty sleeping is a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal, so improved sleep is a good indicator that the withdrawal is being successfully managed.

Increased agitation, elevated blood pressure, and hallucinations are symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and would not be indicative of a positive response to therapy. These symptoms are often targeted by interventions, so finding them reduced following treatment would indicate therapy effectiveness.