NUR 211: Substance Abuse test
questions and answers
A patient with a history of cocaine use seeks medical attention for a
health problem. Which behavior should indicate to the nurse that
the patient has recently used cocaine?
Rapid speech
rationale: Manifestations of cocaine use include rapid speech,
euphoria, and potentially violent behavior.
The nurse is assessing a patient with a history of opiate abuse.
Which manifestation should the nurse expect to assess in the
patient?
Respiratory depression
The nurse is teaching a pregnant patient about teratogens. Which
element should the nurse explain as being safe in pregnancy?
Folic acid
The nurse is developing a plan of care for a patient addicted to
opiates. Which intervention should the nurse make a priority for this
patient?
Maintaining respiratory function
During an admission assessment, a patient self-reports an addiction
to opiates. Which screening tool should the nurse use when trying
to determine the extent of the patient's physical dependence?
Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS)
The nurse is teaching a group of coworkers how to promote patient
safety during withdrawal. Which instruction should be included
about patients expressing suspicious or paranoid beliefs?
Express doubt about such beliefs or suspicions.
rationale: If the patient expresses suspicious and paranoid beliefs,
it is best to express reasonable doubts. Reinforce accurate
perception of people or situations. It is important to communicate
that the false beliefs are not reality.
, The nurse is caring for a patient with an amphetamine addiction.
Which withdrawal symptom should the nurse anticipate in the
patient?
Disorientation
rationale: Withdrawal from amphetamines produces disorientation,
as well as craving, fatigue, sleepiness, and depression.
The nurse is setting goals with a patient who has a substance use
disorder. Which long-term goal should the nurse identify with this
patient?
The patient will regularly attend a support group to maintain
sobriety from substance use.
The nurse is preparing a presentation on the pathophysiology of
substance abuse. Which neurotransmitter most influences feelings
of pleasure?
Dopamine
A patient who abuses inhalants becomes extremely agitated after a
visit from family members. Which intervention should the nurse use
to decrease the patient's agitation?
Dimming the lights
The manager suspects that a staff member has a substance abuse
disorder.
Which action should the manager take?
Confront the nurse
The nurse prepares a presentation on the fetal and neonatal effects
of cocaine. Which effect of cocaine on the fetus and newborn should
the nurse present?
Increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
The nurse prepares a teaching plan for a pregnant patient with a
history of substance abuse. Which topic should the nurse not
include in the teaching plan?
Importance of checking blood glucose
rationale: Nursing care for the pregnant patient with a history of
substance use should include the impact of the substance on the
pregnancy, nutrition, and signs and symptoms of labor. Checking
questions and answers
A patient with a history of cocaine use seeks medical attention for a
health problem. Which behavior should indicate to the nurse that
the patient has recently used cocaine?
Rapid speech
rationale: Manifestations of cocaine use include rapid speech,
euphoria, and potentially violent behavior.
The nurse is assessing a patient with a history of opiate abuse.
Which manifestation should the nurse expect to assess in the
patient?
Respiratory depression
The nurse is teaching a pregnant patient about teratogens. Which
element should the nurse explain as being safe in pregnancy?
Folic acid
The nurse is developing a plan of care for a patient addicted to
opiates. Which intervention should the nurse make a priority for this
patient?
Maintaining respiratory function
During an admission assessment, a patient self-reports an addiction
to opiates. Which screening tool should the nurse use when trying
to determine the extent of the patient's physical dependence?
Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS)
The nurse is teaching a group of coworkers how to promote patient
safety during withdrawal. Which instruction should be included
about patients expressing suspicious or paranoid beliefs?
Express doubt about such beliefs or suspicions.
rationale: If the patient expresses suspicious and paranoid beliefs,
it is best to express reasonable doubts. Reinforce accurate
perception of people or situations. It is important to communicate
that the false beliefs are not reality.
, The nurse is caring for a patient with an amphetamine addiction.
Which withdrawal symptom should the nurse anticipate in the
patient?
Disorientation
rationale: Withdrawal from amphetamines produces disorientation,
as well as craving, fatigue, sleepiness, and depression.
The nurse is setting goals with a patient who has a substance use
disorder. Which long-term goal should the nurse identify with this
patient?
The patient will regularly attend a support group to maintain
sobriety from substance use.
The nurse is preparing a presentation on the pathophysiology of
substance abuse. Which neurotransmitter most influences feelings
of pleasure?
Dopamine
A patient who abuses inhalants becomes extremely agitated after a
visit from family members. Which intervention should the nurse use
to decrease the patient's agitation?
Dimming the lights
The manager suspects that a staff member has a substance abuse
disorder.
Which action should the manager take?
Confront the nurse
The nurse prepares a presentation on the fetal and neonatal effects
of cocaine. Which effect of cocaine on the fetus and newborn should
the nurse present?
Increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
The nurse prepares a teaching plan for a pregnant patient with a
history of substance abuse. Which topic should the nurse not
include in the teaching plan?
Importance of checking blood glucose
rationale: Nursing care for the pregnant patient with a history of
substance use should include the impact of the substance on the
pregnancy, nutrition, and signs and symptoms of labor. Checking
