Substance Basics
Name two commonly abused substances
Alcohol
Heroin
Meth
Benzos
Marijuana
Cocaine
Nicotine
Opiates
Psychedelics
Pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, slowed respirations
Opiate intoxication
CIWA is used for which type of withdrawal?
Alcohol
What is the antidote for opiate overdose?
Narcan
What does AMA stand for?
Against Medical Advice
What receptor do opioids act on?
Mu receptors
Shaking, sweating, anxiety
Alcohol withdrawal
COWS is used for which type of withdrawal?
Opiate
After Narcan administration, what is the nurses priority?
Airway, respiratory status, aspiration precautions, reassessment
What ethical principle is involved with respecting a patient's decision to refuse treatment?
Autonomy
Which drug is most associated with delirium tremens?
Alcohol (withdrawal)
Pacing, dilated pupils, irritation, goosebumps
Opiate withdrawal
A CIWA score of 16+ indicates what level of withdrawal?
Severe withdrawal
What is the treatment for benzodiazapine overdose?
Flumazenil
What must be assessed before a patient leaves AMA?
Decision making capacity
Which prescription opioid is considered more potent than heroin?
Fentanyl
Which withdrawal carries the highest risk of seizures and death
Alcohol
Your patient scores a CIWA of 12. How soon should your next assessment be?
60 minutes (or PRN)
A patient presents with seizures after quitting drinking alcohol. What intervention is the immediate priority?
Benzodiazepine administration
Seizure precautions & safety
Your patient who was admitted for alcohol intoxication and treated for withdrawal is now ready for discharge. While going over discharge instructions, the patient states that they are going to go to the closest bar and "get blackout drunk and plastered." What is the nurse's responsibility?
Nothing.
Ensure they receive and understand the discharge instructions/ education. Provide community resources. Get them a cab voucher so they don't drive.
Which neurotransmitter pathway is most responsible for the reinforcing effects of addictive drugs?
Dopamine
Dry heaving, excessive nausea, compulsive hot showers
Hyperemesis cannabinoid
Name two medications that are commonly used in alcohol withdrawal management.
Ativan
Librium
Valium
Phenobarbital
Precedex
Folic acid
Thiamine
Multivitamin
B12
Overdose on which substance is associated with hyperthermia?
Amphetamines (MDMA)
A patient discloses current drug use while pregnant. What is the nurses legal obligation?
Report to CPS