Varcarolis Chapter 22 - Substance-Related
Varcarolis&Chapter
Addictive
22Disorders
- Substance-Related
_ 2026_2027.pdf
& Addictive Disorders _ 2026_2027.pdf Page 1
Varcarolis Chapter 22 -
Substance-Related & Addictive
Disorders | 2026/2027
Page 1 of 37 Varcarolis
Page 1 ofChapter
37 22 - Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders _ 2026_2027.pdf
,Varcarolis Chapter 22 Substance Related and Addictive Disorders.pdf
Varcarolis Chapter 22 Substance Related and Addictive Disorders.pdf Page 2
1. A patient diagnosed with alcoholism asks, "How will Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) help me?"
Select the nurse's best response.
a. "The goal of AA is for members to learn controlled drinking with the support of a higher
power."
b. "An individual is supported by peers while striving for abstinence one day at a time."
c. "You must make a commitment to permanently abstain from alcohol and other drugs."
d. "You will be assigned a sponsor who will plan your treatment program."
ANS: B
Admitting to being an alcoholic, making an attempt to remain alcohol-free for a day at a
time, and receiving support from peers are basic aspects of AA. The other options are
incorrect.
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,Varcarolis Chapter 22 Substance Related and Addictive Disorders.pdf
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2. A nurse reviews vital signs for a patient admitted with an injury sustained while intoxicated.
The medical record shows these blood pressure and pulse readings at the times listed:
0200: 118/78 mm Hg and 72 beats/min
0400: 126/80 mm Hg and 76 beats/min
0600: 128/82 mm Hg and 72 beats/min
0800: 132/88 mm Hg and 80 beats/min
1000: 148/94 mm Hg and 96 beats/min
What is the nurse's priority action?
a. Force fluids.
b. Consult the health care provider.
c. Obtain a clean-catch urine sample.
d. Place the patient in a vest-type restraint.
ANS: B
Elevated pulse and blood pressure may indicate impending alcohol withdrawal and the
need for medical intervention. No indication is present that the patient may have a urinary
tract infection or is presently in need of restraint. Hydration will not resolve the problem.
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3. A nurse cares for a patient diagnosed with an opioid overdose. Which focused assessment
has the highest priority?
a. Cardiovascular
b. Respiratory
c. Neurologic
d. Hepatic
ANS: B
Opioid overdose causes respiratory depression. Respiratory depression is the primary cause
of death among opioid abusers. The assessment of the other body systems is relevant but
not the priority. See relationship to audience response question.
Page 4 of 37 Page 4 of 37 Varcarolis Chapter 22 Substance Related and Addictive Disorders.pdf
Varcarolis&Chapter
Addictive
22Disorders
- Substance-Related
_ 2026_2027.pdf
& Addictive Disorders _ 2026_2027.pdf Page 1
Varcarolis Chapter 22 -
Substance-Related & Addictive
Disorders | 2026/2027
Page 1 of 37 Varcarolis
Page 1 ofChapter
37 22 - Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders _ 2026_2027.pdf
,Varcarolis Chapter 22 Substance Related and Addictive Disorders.pdf
Varcarolis Chapter 22 Substance Related and Addictive Disorders.pdf Page 2
1. A patient diagnosed with alcoholism asks, "How will Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) help me?"
Select the nurse's best response.
a. "The goal of AA is for members to learn controlled drinking with the support of a higher
power."
b. "An individual is supported by peers while striving for abstinence one day at a time."
c. "You must make a commitment to permanently abstain from alcohol and other drugs."
d. "You will be assigned a sponsor who will plan your treatment program."
ANS: B
Admitting to being an alcoholic, making an attempt to remain alcohol-free for a day at a
time, and receiving support from peers are basic aspects of AA. The other options are
incorrect.
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,Varcarolis Chapter 22 Substance Related and Addictive Disorders.pdf
Varcarolis Chapter 22 Substance Related and Addictive Disorders.pdf Page 3
2. A nurse reviews vital signs for a patient admitted with an injury sustained while intoxicated.
The medical record shows these blood pressure and pulse readings at the times listed:
0200: 118/78 mm Hg and 72 beats/min
0400: 126/80 mm Hg and 76 beats/min
0600: 128/82 mm Hg and 72 beats/min
0800: 132/88 mm Hg and 80 beats/min
1000: 148/94 mm Hg and 96 beats/min
What is the nurse's priority action?
a. Force fluids.
b. Consult the health care provider.
c. Obtain a clean-catch urine sample.
d. Place the patient in a vest-type restraint.
ANS: B
Elevated pulse and blood pressure may indicate impending alcohol withdrawal and the
need for medical intervention. No indication is present that the patient may have a urinary
tract infection or is presently in need of restraint. Hydration will not resolve the problem.
Page 3 of 37 Page 3 of 37 Varcarolis Chapter 22 Substance Related and Addictive Disorders.pdf
, Varcarolis Chapter 22 Substance Related and Addictive Disorders.pdf
Varcarolis Chapter 22 Substance Related and Addictive Disorders.pdf Page 4
3. A nurse cares for a patient diagnosed with an opioid overdose. Which focused assessment
has the highest priority?
a. Cardiovascular
b. Respiratory
c. Neurologic
d. Hepatic
ANS: B
Opioid overdose causes respiratory depression. Respiratory depression is the primary cause
of death among opioid abusers. The assessment of the other body systems is relevant but
not the priority. See relationship to audience response question.
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