Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 88%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted for alcohol detoxification. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to observe that indicate the client is experiencing alcohol withdrawal?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Increased heart rate and vomiting. During alcohol withdrawal, the body experiences sympathetic nervous system overactivity, leading to increased heart rate as a result of elevated levels of adrenaline. Vomiting can occur due to gastrointestinal distress and autonomic nervous system dysregulation.
A: Decreased blood pressure and nausea are not typical findings in alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal commonly presents with elevated blood pressure and other symptoms such as tremors and anxiety.
B: Constipation and pupil constriction are not typical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Instead, diarrhea and dilated pupils can occur.
C: Bone and muscle aches are not specific to alcohol withdrawal but can be seen in other conditions like opioid withdrawal.
In summary, the correct answer is D because increased heart rate and vomiting are commonly observed in alcohol withdrawal, while the other options do not align with typical symptoms of this condition.
A: Decreased blood pressure and nausea are not typical findings in alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal commonly presents with elevated blood pressure and other symptoms such as tremors and anxiety.
B: Constipation and pupil constriction are not typical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Instead, diarrhea and dilated pupils can occur.
C: Bone and muscle aches are not specific to alcohol withdrawal but can be seen in other conditions like opioid withdrawal.
In summary, the correct answer is D because increased heart rate and vomiting are commonly observed in alcohol withdrawal, while the other options do not align with typical symptoms of this condition.