Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 83%
Full-length
The nurse collecting data from the client is providing instructions regarding a new prescription for disulfiram. Which datum is important for the nurse to obtain before beginning the administration of this medication?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Disulfiram may be used as an adjunct treatment for selected clients with chronic alcoholism who want to remain in a state of enforced sobriety. Clients must abstain from alcohol intake for at least 12 hours before the initial dose of the medication is administered. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to determine when the last alcoholic drink was consumed. The medication is used with caution in clients with diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, cerebral damage, nephritis, and hepatic disease. It is also contraindicated in severe heart disease, psychosis, or hypersensitivity related to the medication.