Question

The nurse is providing care to a patient in the emergency department. The patient reports headache and weakness and is noted to have dysrhythmias on an ECG. The patient is talkative, restless, anxious, and asking to leave the emergency department. The nurse suspects that the patient might be taking which substance of abuse?

A. Stimulants
B. Depressants
C. Alcohol
D. Opioids

Answer 1

The patient's symptoms of dysrhythmias, headache, weakness, restlessness, and anxiety are associated with stimulant option (A) use, which causes increased alertness and energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient in the emergency department displaying symptoms of headache, weakness, dysrhythmias, restlessness, anxiety, and a talkative nature is likely to be under the influence of a stimulant option (A). Stimulants are substances that increase alertness, attention, and energy, which often elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. Common examples of stimulants include caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine. These symptoms are not typically associated with depressants, alcohol, or opioids, which often lead to decreased alertness and sedation. The patient's symptoms such as increased talkativeness and anxiety, along with the physiological finding of dysrhythmias, suggest that the substance of abuse might be a stimulant rather than a depressant, alcohol, or an opioid.