Assessment
This screening tool is commonly used in nursing to assess alcohol use patterns.
What is the AUDIT or CAGE?
This medication class is the first-line treatment for alcohol withdrawal.
What are benzodiazepines?
This medication blocks opioid receptors and prevents euphoria.
What is naltrexone (oral or Vivitrol)?
This motivational interviewing technique encourages clients to express reasons for change.
What is eliciting "change talk"?
Pregnant patients withdrawing from opioids should be started on this treatment, not detoxed rapidly.
What is methadone or buprenorphine maintenance?
A score of 8 or higher on this withdrawal scale indicates a need for medication.
What is CIWA-Ar?
This non-opioid medication can help reduce autonomic symptoms like tachycardia and hypertension during withdrawal.
What is clonidine?
This medication reduces alcohol cravings by restoring glutamate balance.
What is acamprosate (Campral)?
When clients feel shame, the nurse should prioritize this type of statement.
What is a nonjudgmental, empathetic reflection?
Adolescents commonly misuse this class of drugs, often taken from family medicine cabinets.
What are prescription opioids or stimulants?
Pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, and unresponsiveness suggest the nurse should suspect this.
What is opioid overdose?
When a patient on alcohol withdrawal develops hallucinations, agitation, and unstable vitals, they may be entering this dangerous condition.
What is delirium tremens (DTs)?
This opioid agonist medication is dispensed in federally regulated clinics only.
What is methadone?
This technique helps a client identify risky thoughts before relapse occurs.
What is cognitive restructuring (CBT)?
Older adults are more vulnerable to overdose from this combination of medications.
What are opioids and benzodiazepines?
This objective sign differentiates alcohol withdrawal from anxiety.
What are tremors?
This assessment must be completed before giving methadone to prevent respiratory suppression.
What is a respiratory rate assessment?
This medication is a partial opioid agonist combined with naloxone to decrease misuse.
What is buprenorphine–naloxone (Suboxone)?
Asking a client, “What has helped you stay sober in the past?” is an example of this MI skill.
What is affirming strengths?
Clients experiencing homelessness face this major barrier to addiction treatment.
That is lack of stable housing (or transportation)?
During stimulant intoxication, this vital sign change is most dangerous and must be monitored closely.
What is severe hypertension?
Sweating, yawning, gooseflesh, and pupillary dilation indicate withdrawal from this substance class.
What are opioids?
This medication causes an aversive reaction if alcohol is consumed.
What is disulfiram (Antabuse)?
When a client says, “I don’t think treatment will work,” the nurse uses this strategy to validate while gently challenging resistance.
What is rolling with resistance?
This population experiences the highest overdose death rates in rural settings due to limited access to care.
That are middle-aged white males (or rural populations)?