The registered nurse (RN) receives the morning shift report for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which client should the nurse assess first?
- AA client with an opioid use disorder admitted for cellulitis who is reporting severe muscle aches, diarrhea, excessive tearing, and yawning.
- A client admitted 48 hours ago for a gastric ulcer with a history of heavy daily alcohol consumption, who is now experiencing new-onset anxiety, diaphoresis, and a heart rate of 118 beats/min.Cevap
- CA client admitted 4 hours ago for acute alcohol intoxication who is currently sleeping soundly with a heart rate of 72 beats/min and a respiratory rate of 14 breaths/min.
- DA client on day 4 of a structured alcohol detoxification protocol who is medically stable, whose family is actively asking the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) about long-term rehabilitation options.
Cevap
The client admitted 48 hours ago who is experiencing new-onset anxiety, diaphoresis, and tachycardia requires the most immediate assessment.
The correct answer identifies the client at the highest risk for sudden physiological deterioration. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically begin 6 to 8 hours after the last drink and peak between 24 and 72 hours. Anxiety, diaphoresis, and tachycardia (a heart rate of 118 beats/min) are early autonomic signs of withdrawal. Without immediate assessment and administration of cross-tolerant medications (such as benzodiazepines), this client is at high risk for progressing to withdrawal seizures or delirium tremens, which are potentially fatal medical emergencies.
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Anahtar Kavram
Prioritizing care for clients experiencing acute substance withdrawal