The last time the client consumed an alcoholic beverage.
If it is determined that Matt is dependent
on alcohol, which information should
the nurse obtain in order to predict the
onset of withdrawal symptoms?
Increased aspartate aminotransferase Physiologic stabilization.
(AST).
, Matt Cox, a 46-year-old, is accompanied
to the emergency department (ED) by a
police officer who found him standing
on a bridge, threatening to jump. Matt
planned to jump off the bridge because
his girlfriend moved out of their shared
home and he lost his job as a chef
several days ago. Vital signs upon
admission include:Matt has a strong
odor of alcohol on his breath, but he
reports drinking only four beers in the
last 12 hours. He denies using
medications or illegal drugs within the
past 72 hours. Matt is known to the
nursing staff because of previous
admissions related to alcohol abuse.
Matt is angry and uncooperative, and the
nurses will not allow him leave. Matt
states that he has felt sad for several
weeks, which is the reason he drinks
alcohol. He reports sleeping 5 to 6 hours
a night and states that his appetite is
poor, resulting in significant weight loss
over the past month. Physical health
problems include a history of
compromised liver function.