ELITE COMPREHENSIVE
VARCAROLIS — CHAPTER 22 SUBSTANCE-RELATED
AND ADDICTIVE DISORDERS
Advanced Comprehensive Psychiatric–Mental Health
Nursing Review
NCLEX-RN • ATI • HESI • Mental Health Nursing Final
Exam Preparation
SPRING SEMESTER EXAMINATION MAY 2026
1. A patient diagnosed with alcoholism asks, "How will Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) help
me?" Select the nurse's best response.
a. "The goal of AA is for members to learn controlled drinking with the support of a
higher power."
b. "An individual is supported by peers while striving for abstinence one day at a time."
c. "You must make a commitment to permanently abstain from alcohol and other drugs."
d. "You will be assigned a sponsor who will plan your treatment program."
• ANS: B
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, • Admitting to being an alcoholic, making an attempt to remain alcohol-
free for a day at a time, and receiving support from peers are basic
aspects of AA. The other options are incorrect.
2. A nurse reviews vital signs for a patient admitted with an injury sustained while
intoxicated. The medical record shows these blood pressure and pulse readings at the
times listed:
0200: 118/78 mm Hg and 72 beats/min
0400: 126/80 mm Hg and 76 beats/min
0600: 128/82 mm Hg and 72 beats/min
0800: 132/88 mm Hg and 80 beats/min
1000: 148/94 mm Hg and 96 beats/min
What is the nurse's priority action?
a. Force fluids.
b. Consult the health care provider.
c. Obtain a clean-catch urine sample.
d. Place the patient in a vest-type restraint.
• ANS: B
• Elevated pulse and blood pressure may indicate impending alcohol
withdrawal and the need for medical intervention. No indication is
present that the patient may have a urinary tract infection or is
presently in need of restraint. Hydration will not resolve the problem.
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, 3. A nurse cares for a patient diagnosed with an opioid overdose. Which focused
assessment has the highest priority?
a. Cardiovascular
b. Respiratory
c. Neurologic
d. Hepatic
• ANS: B
• Opioid overdose causes respiratory depression. Respiratory
depression is the primary cause of death among opioid abusers. The
assessment of the other body systems is relevant but not the priority.
See relationship to audience response question.
4. A patient admitted for injuries sustained while intoxicated has been hospitalized for 48
hours. The patient is now shaky, irritable, anxious, diaphoretic, and reports nightmares.
The pulse rate is 130 beats/min. The patient shouts, "Bugs are crawling on my bed. I've
got to get out of here." Select the most accurate assessment of this situation. The
patient:
a. is attempting to obtain attention by manipulating staff.
b. may have sustained a head injury before admission.
c. has symptoms of alcohol-withdrawal delirium.
d. is having an acute psychosis.
• ANS: C
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VARCAROLIS — CHAPTER 22 SUBSTANCE-RELATED
AND ADDICTIVE DISORDERS
Advanced Comprehensive Psychiatric–Mental Health
Nursing Review
NCLEX-RN • ATI • HESI • Mental Health Nursing Final
Exam Preparation
SPRING SEMESTER EXAMINATION MAY 2026
1. A patient diagnosed with alcoholism asks, "How will Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) help
me?" Select the nurse's best response.
a. "The goal of AA is for members to learn controlled drinking with the support of a
higher power."
b. "An individual is supported by peers while striving for abstinence one day at a time."
c. "You must make a commitment to permanently abstain from alcohol and other drugs."
d. "You will be assigned a sponsor who will plan your treatment program."
• ANS: B
1|Page
, • Admitting to being an alcoholic, making an attempt to remain alcohol-
free for a day at a time, and receiving support from peers are basic
aspects of AA. The other options are incorrect.
2. A nurse reviews vital signs for a patient admitted with an injury sustained while
intoxicated. The medical record shows these blood pressure and pulse readings at the
times listed:
0200: 118/78 mm Hg and 72 beats/min
0400: 126/80 mm Hg and 76 beats/min
0600: 128/82 mm Hg and 72 beats/min
0800: 132/88 mm Hg and 80 beats/min
1000: 148/94 mm Hg and 96 beats/min
What is the nurse's priority action?
a. Force fluids.
b. Consult the health care provider.
c. Obtain a clean-catch urine sample.
d. Place the patient in a vest-type restraint.
• ANS: B
• Elevated pulse and blood pressure may indicate impending alcohol
withdrawal and the need for medical intervention. No indication is
present that the patient may have a urinary tract infection or is
presently in need of restraint. Hydration will not resolve the problem.
2|Page
, 3. A nurse cares for a patient diagnosed with an opioid overdose. Which focused
assessment has the highest priority?
a. Cardiovascular
b. Respiratory
c. Neurologic
d. Hepatic
• ANS: B
• Opioid overdose causes respiratory depression. Respiratory
depression is the primary cause of death among opioid abusers. The
assessment of the other body systems is relevant but not the priority.
See relationship to audience response question.
4. A patient admitted for injuries sustained while intoxicated has been hospitalized for 48
hours. The patient is now shaky, irritable, anxious, diaphoretic, and reports nightmares.
The pulse rate is 130 beats/min. The patient shouts, "Bugs are crawling on my bed. I've
got to get out of here." Select the most accurate assessment of this situation. The
patient:
a. is attempting to obtain attention by manipulating staff.
b. may have sustained a head injury before admission.
c. has symptoms of alcohol-withdrawal delirium.
d. is having an acute psychosis.
• ANS: C
3|Page
