A 45-year-old client has been admitted to the hospital for alcohol withdrawal. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize during the initial phase of care?
Administer prescribed benzodiazepines to prevent complications such as seizures.
Discuss relapse prevention strategies and refer the client to a support group.
Assist the client to ambulate to reduce muscle stiffness caused by tremors.
Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration from withdrawal symptoms.
Monitoring for seizures and signs of severe withdrawal, such as delirium tremens (DTs), is critical during the acute phase of alcohol withdrawal because of the life-threatening nature of these complications. Administering prescribed benzodiazepines can help prevent complications by reducing withdrawal symptoms and the risk of seizures. Encouraging fluid intake is beneficial but not the priority during this phase, whereas long-term education about relapse prevention is vital but should occur after stabilization of acute symptoms.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What are benzodiazepines and how do they help in alcohol withdrawal?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are delirium tremens (DTs) and why are they a concern during alcohol withdrawal?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What role does fluid intake play during alcohol withdrawal treatment?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
NCLEX RN
Psychosocial Integrity
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access