Question

A client develops tremors while withdrawing from alcohol. Which medication is routinely administered to lessen physiological effects of alcohol withdrawal? A. Dolophine (methodone) B. Klonopin (clonazepam) C. Narcan (naloxone) D. Antabuse (disulfiram)

Short answer

Answer: B. Klonopin (clonazepam)

Step-by-step solution

Eliminate irrelevant medications

Among the options, you can eliminate Dolophine (methodone) and Narcan (naloxone), as they are medications used to treat opioid addiction and opioid overdose, respectively, and are not related to alcohol withdrawal.

Understand the effects of remaining medications

The remaining medications are Klonopin (clonazepam) and Antabuse (disulfiram). Klonopin is a benzodiazepine, which works on the central nervous system and is used to treat anxiety, panic disorder, and seizures. Antabuse is a medication used to support the treatment of alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to alcohol, causing an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed.

Choose the appropriate medication for alcohol withdrawal

Since the goal is to lessen the physiological effects of alcohol withdrawal, which can include anxiety and seizures, Klonopin (clonazepam) would be the appropriate medication. Benzodiazepines are often used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms and to prevent complications such as seizures. So, the correct answer is: B. Klonopin (clonazepam)

Key concepts

Alcohol Withdrawal Management

Managing alcohol withdrawal is crucial in ensuring the client's safety and well-being. When a person stops drinking alcohol after heavy and prolonged use, the body can go into shock, leading to withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Increased heart rate
• Seizures

Addressing these symptoms promptly is essential as severe complications, such as delirium tremens, can be life-threatening. The primary goal during alcohol withdrawal management is to stabilize the client's physical and psychological state. Medical professionals often utilize medications like benzodiazepines to soothe the central nervous system, prevent seizures, and manage anxiety, helping to carefully taper down the physical dependence in a controlled manner. Communication and monitoring are key, ensuring that changes in the patient's condition are promptly recognized and addressed.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the study of how drugs interact with the body and alter its functions. When managing alcohol withdrawal, understanding pharmacology is essential to choosing the correct medication that can effectively mitigate symptoms. In the context of alcohol withdrawal, benzodiazepines such as clonazepam work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, thus providing a calming effect. This makes them highly effective in treating the acute symptoms like anxiety and potential seizures associated with alcohol withdrawal.
Unlike methadone, which is used in opioid detoxification, or naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdose, benzodiazepines specifically address the neurological and systemic symptoms seen in alcohol withdrawal. This targeted approach highlights how pharmacological knowledge is critical in making informed decisions in medical treatment plans.
The safe administration of these drugs, understanding their half-life, interactions, and potential side effects, are important considerations for healthcare providers. Ensuring proper dosage and monitoring is part of a strategic approach to help ease withdrawal and prevent further complications.

Nursing Interventions

Nursing interventions play a pivotal role in managing clients undergoing alcohol withdrawal. Nurses are on the frontline, observing and providing care to mitigate discomfort and prevent complications. In alcohol withdrawal management, nurses must be diligent in:

• Regularly assessing vital signs to monitor the client's stability
• Performing physical assessments for signs of worsening conditions like seizures
• Administering prescribed medication, like clonazepam, to manage symptoms
• Providing emotional support and patient education about the recovery process

In addition to direct care, nurses build a therapeutic environment that facilitates comfort, safety, and trust. Education is crucial; explaining why symptoms occur and how medication will help empowers clients as active participants in their recovery.
Effective communication between the healthcare team ensures comprehensive patient management, and timely reporting of changes in the client’s condition allows for prompt interventions. This holistic approach in nursing interventions supports a smoother transition through alcohol withdrawal and sets the foundation for long-term sobriety.