Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 67%
Simulated
A nurse in a substance abuse clinic is assessing a client who is prescribed disulfiram (Antabuse). The client states he stopped the medication after developing severe nausea and vomiting. Which of the following does the nurse realize is most likely the cause of the client's symptoms?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: The client consumed alcohol while taking the medication. Disulfiram is used to deter alcohol consumption by causing unpleasant reactions when alcohol is ingested. The symptoms of severe nausea and vomiting the client experienced are consistent with the disulfiram-alcohol reaction. This reaction occurs when alcohol is consumed while on disulfiram, leading to a buildup of acetaldehyde, causing discomfort.
Choice A: The client taking an overdose of the medication would typically result in different symptoms, such as neurological effects or liver toxicity.
Choice B: An allergic response to disulfiram would likely manifest as skin rash, itching, or difficulty breathing, rather than nausea and vomiting.
Choice C: While nausea and vomiting are common side effects of disulfiram, they are typically milder and occur when alcohol is consumed, not as a standalone symptom.
Choice A: The client taking an overdose of the medication would typically result in different symptoms, such as neurological effects or liver toxicity.
Choice B: An allergic response to disulfiram would likely manifest as skin rash, itching, or difficulty breathing, rather than nausea and vomiting.
Choice C: While nausea and vomiting are common side effects of disulfiram, they are typically milder and occur when alcohol is consumed, not as a standalone symptom.