Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 90%
Simulated
What would the nurse teach a client to avoid when taking barbiturates?
Correct answer
Nicotine and caffeine don't critically interact. Alcohol, a CNS depressant, dangerously enhances barbiturate sedation. Bananas are unrelated.
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Alcohol. Barbiturates and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants, and when taken together, they can dangerously enhance sedation and respiratory depression. This can lead to overdose and even death. Nicotine (choice A) and caffeine (choice D) do not have critical interactions with barbiturates, so there is no specific teaching to avoid them. Bananas (choice C) are unrelated to barbiturate use and do not pose any risk. It is crucial for the nurse to educate the client on the dangers of combining barbiturates with alcohol to prevent adverse effects and ensure the client's safety.