Question

A nurse in the emergency department (ED) is caring for a client who has alcohol toxicity. For each provider's potential prescriptions, click to specify if the potential prescription is anticipated, nonessential, or contraindicated for the client.

a) CT scan of brain - _______

b) Monitor vital signs every 30 mins - _______

c) Obtain an Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) - _______

d) Initiate IV access - _______

e) Administer an anti-anxiety medication - _______

f) Wake the client every 30 min for neurological assessment - _______

Answer 1

In cases of alcohol toxicity, medical interventions such as a CT scan of the brain, close monitoring of vital signs, initiating IV access, administering anti-anxiety medication, and frequent neurological assessments are generally anticipated components of care. Nonessential actions might include obtaining an AUDIT, which is typically more relevant for long-term treatment planning.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client presents with alcohol toxicity, the healthcare provider's management plan typically includes:

a) CT scan of the brain - Anticipated: To rule out any intracranial pathology that may be worsened by alcohol intake or to identify any injuries the client may have sustained while intoxicated.

b) Monitor vital signs every 30 mins - Anticipated: Close monitoring is required to detect and manage potential respiratory or cardiovascular complications arising from alcohol toxicity.

c) Obtain an Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) - Nonessential: This is usually nonessential in the acute management stage but might be used later to assess the level of alcohol dependence and plan for long-term treatment.

d) Initiate IV access - Anticipated: To manage dehydration, administer medications, and correct potential electrolyte imbalances.

e) Administer an anti-anxiety medication - Anticipated: To treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, which can include severe anxiety, but must be done with caution as some medications may depress the central nervous system further.

f) Wake the client every 30 min for neurological assessment - Anticipated: Frequent neurological checks are necessary to monitor the client's level of consciousness and detect any deterioration in their neurological status.

Rapid assessment of neurological function is critically important in an emergency situation because it allows for early detection of any changes or deterioration in the patient's condition. Alcohol metabolism and the manifestation of alcohol toxicity emphasize the need for such thorough monitoring and assessment.

Answer 2

In the emergency department, a nurse would anticipate potential prescriptions such as a CT scan of the brain, monitoring vital signs, initiating IV access, administering anti-anxiety medication, and frequent neurological assessments for a client with alcohol toxicity.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse caring for a client with alcohol toxicity in the emergency department should anticipate certain prescribed actions and consider others as nonessential or even contraindicated based on the condition of the client. Here is a potential assessment of these actions:

• a) CT scan of brain - Anticipated, as it can rule out any injuries or bleeds that may be contributing to the client's condition.
• b) Monitor vital signs every 30 minutes - Anticipated, to gauge the client's physiological stability and to track any changes that may indicate worsening or improving status.
• c) Obtain an Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) - Nonessential, this could be postponed until the client is stabilized.
• d) Initiate IV access - Anticipated, to potentially administer fluids or medications as needed.
• e) Administer an anti-anxiety medication - Anticipated, as it may help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of seizures.
• f) Wake the client every 30 min for neurological assessment - Anticipated, crucial for monitoring potential deterioration in neurological function.

The importance of neurological function assessment in emergencies is to rapidly identify any deterioration that may require immediate intervention. For clients with alcohol toxicity, such functions may be compromised due to the depressive effects of alcohol on the central nervous system.