Alcohol
Begins within 4–12 hours after last drink. Presents with tremors, nausea, anxiety.
What is early alcohol withdrawal?
Vital signs in opioid withdrawal.
What are elevated HR, BP, RR?
Emotional symptom most common in stimulant withdrawal.
What is depression?
Disorder with pervasive distrust and suspicion.
What is paranoid personality disorder?
Medication used to maintain abstinence in opioid addiction.
What is naltrexone/methadone/buprenorphine?
Life-threatening complication 2–3 days after last drink with confusion, hallucinations, seizures.
What is delirium tremens (DTs)?
Later signs of opioid withdrawal
What are nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches?
This sleep symptom occurs in stimulant withdrawal.
What is hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness)?
Fear of abandonment, unstable mood and impulsivity.
What is borderline personality disorder?
A client says: “I’m amazing, the best, no one compares.” They brag constantly and show no empathy. What personality disorder?
What is narcissistic personality disorder?
Common vital sign changes in alcohol withdrawal.
What are increased BP, pulse, and temperature?
This objective tool helps nurses assess opioid withdrawal severity.
What is the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS)?
This legal substance causes withdrawal symptoms like irritability and headaches.
What is caffeine?
Manipulative, criminal behavior, lacks remorse.
What is antisocial personality disorder?
One safety priority when caring for a client in alcohol withdrawal.
What are seizure precautions?
Medication used to prevent seizures in alcohol withdrawal.
What are benzodiazepines?
Early signs of opioid withdrawal (6–12 hrs after last dose).
What are yawning, sweating, and rhinorrhea?
The only “high” that comes with pimples, teeth grinding, and picking at your skin.
What is methamphetamine?
This disorder may cause someone to dress like a wizard and talk to their plants.
What is schizotypal personality disorder?
Strategy to avoid “splitting” with clients who have borderline personality disorder.
What is consistent staff communication or limit setting?
Long-term med used for alcohol abstinence, causes illness if alcohol is consumed.
What is disulfiram (Antabuse)?
This medication blocks opioid receptors and can cause sudden, intense withdrawal if opioids are still in the system.
What is naloxone (Narcan)?
This stimulant, often used in ADHD treatment, can lead to withdrawal symptoms like fatigue and depression when misused.
What is methylphenidate (Ritalin)?
Perfectionism, control, and preoccupation with rules.
What is obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)?
This personality disorder might cause someone to dress dramatically, exaggerate emotions, and say, “You’re the best nurse I’ve ever had". 5 minutes after meeting you.
What is histrionic personality disorder?