Final answer:
The priority goal for a nurse caring for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal is to ensure the individual's physical stability and safety. Close monitoring of vital signs, managing withdrawal symptoms, and preventing severe complications are essential aspects of care. Both the physical and psychological components of withdrawal must be addressed to facilitate safe detoxification.
Step-by-step explanation:
A client experiencing alcohol withdrawal is upset about going through detoxification. When assessing priority goals for a nurse's care plan, the most immediate concern would be to ensure the client's physical stability and safety during the withdrawal process. Withdrawal from substances such as alcohol can be dangerous and could lead to life-threatening symptoms. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize monitoring the client's vital signs, managing withdrawal symptoms, and preventing complications like seizures or delirium tremens. It's important to provide a safe environment, administer prescribed medications to mitigate withdrawal symptoms, and offer psychological support to help the client cope with the detoxification process. Recognizing potential withdrawal symptoms is crucial in this context. Symptoms such as agitation, tremors, anxiety, and changes in vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate) can signal complications requiring prompt medical attention. Moreover, individuals with a long history of high alcohol consumption should be monitored closely because of the severe nature of their potential withdrawal symptoms. As the goal of medical supervision is to ensure a safe withdrawal process, medications may also be used to ease symptoms and support recovery. When caring for patients undergoing withdrawal, it is also essential to be aware of the psychological aspects of dependence. Understanding that drug craving is a diagnostic criterion for substance use disorder in DSM-5 highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to treatment, addressing both the physical and psychological needs of the client.