A nurse is caring for a client admitted to the emergency department for alcohol intoxication. Twelve hours after their last drink, the client becomes anxious, diaphoretic, and reports visual hallucinations. What action should the nurse take first?
Provide reassurance that the hallucinations will resolve and stay with the client.
Administer the prescribed benzodiazepine as ordered to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Offer the client a high-protein meal to reduce withdrawal effects.
Initiate a discussion about the client's substance use history and provide education on alcoholism.
The correct answer is appropriate because clients experiencing alcohol withdrawal may be at risk for severe complications such as seizures or delirium tremens, requiring immediate stabilization. Administering the prescribed benzodiazepine helps manage withdrawal symptoms by preventing progression and maintaining client safety. While other actions are important, they do not address the immediate physiological risk associated with alcohol withdrawal. Continuous monitoring is crucial once the client is stabilized. Education and dietary recommendations can follow after acute symptoms subside.
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Psychosocial Integrity
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