Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has a long history of abuse of alcohol and opioid analgesics. When counseling this client about the adverse effects of substance abuse, the nurse should explain that these patterns reduce the oxygenation of tissues and organs because they cause:

a. Vasodilation.
b. Respiratory depression.
c. Increased metabolic rate.
d. Enhanced blood circulation.

Answer 1

The client should be informed that alcohol and opioid analgesic abuse can reduce tissue and organ oxygenation primarily due to respiratory depression, among other adverse effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

When counseling a client with a history of alcohol and opioid analgesic abuse, it's important for the nurse to explain that these substances can lead to reduced oxygenation of tissues and organs primarily because they cause respiratory depression. This is a result of the depressant effects on the central nervous system, which can slow or even stop breathing, leading to conditions like hypercapnia (elevated CO₂ levels in the blood). The nurse might also mention that besides respiratory depression, other adverse effects can include cognitive and memory impairment, sedation, and ataxia, all contributing to the overall negative impact on health.