Question

A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is assessing a client who sustained injuries 12 hours ago following a motor-vehicle crash. The client's admission blood alcohol level was 325 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing alcohol withdrawal?

Option 1: Increased blood pressure and heart rate
Option 2: Deep, slow respirations
Option 3: Euphoria and talkativeness
Option 4: Normal body temperature and stable vital signs

Answer 1

Increased blood pressure and heart rate are common indicators of alcohol withdrawal in a patient who had a high blood alcohol level and has sustained injuries 12 hours prior.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client who sustained injuries 12 hours ago in a motor-vehicle crash and had a high admission blood alcohol level may show signs of alcohol withdrawal as their body processes and eliminates the alcohol. The symptom of increased blood pressure and heart rate (Option 1) is a common indicator of alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal can occur as the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) drops and the body reacts to the absence of alcohol after a period of heavy consumption. Deep, slow respirations (Option 2), euphoria and talkativeness (Option 3), and normal body temperature with stable vital signs (Option 4) are not typical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol is metabolized in the body at a steady rate, around 3.3 mmol/L (15 mg/dL) per hour, so a high initial BAC like 325 mg/dL would take a significant amount of time to drop, during which withdrawal symptoms may manifest.