BSN 315 PHARMACOLOGY - DRUGS USED IN SUBSTANCE USE
DISORDERS EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS VERIFIED
Which phrase describes the purpose of disulfiram?
To produce unpleasant effects if alcohol is ingested
The unpleasant effects that result when alcohol is ingested while taking disulfiram are
called acetaldehyde syndrome. Acetaldehyde syndrome can have mild or severe
symptoms but needs to be avoided.
Naltrexone decreases the craving for alcohol by blocking which receptors?
Opioid
Naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors.
The emergency department nurse has been notified that the squad is bringing in
a patient who has overdosed on opioids. Which type of naltrexone would the
nurse have ready?
Intravenous (IV) naltrexone
IV naltrexone has the quickest onset of action at 1 to 2 minutes. The nurse will ensure
this form of the drug is ready.
Renae has been prescribed naltrexone and has been taking it for several months.
Which symptom associated with naltrexone therapy would the nurse advise
Renae to report immediately to the health care provider?
, Jaundice
Jaundice is a sign of liver dysfunction; because naltrexone is extensively metabolized
by the liver, symptoms of hepatic impairment of any kind should be immediately
reported to the health care provider.
A patient starting disulfiram treatment took their last drink of alcohol at 9:00 p.m.
At which time would the nurse administer the first dose of disulfiram?
9:00 a.m.
Disulfiram can be taken at 9:00 a.m. There must be at least 12 hours between the
patient's last drink and initiating treatment.
Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a 24-year-old patient initiating
naltrexone therapy to treat alcohol misuse?
Ask the patient what kind of support system is in place during and after treatment.
A patient with a good support system in place during and after treatment has a better
chance at remaining alcohol-free. Therefore asking the patient what kind of support
system is in place during and after treatment is an appropriate nursing intervention.
Which dose of naltrexone would the nurse anticipate being prescribed for a
patient who had their last drink 6 days ago and is being discharged to home?
50 mg orally daily
The oral dosage for PO naltrexone is 50 mg once a day; the nurse would anticipate this
dosage to be prescribed.
A patient asks the nurse how disulfiram works. What is the correct nursing
response?
DISORDERS EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS VERIFIED
Which phrase describes the purpose of disulfiram?
To produce unpleasant effects if alcohol is ingested
The unpleasant effects that result when alcohol is ingested while taking disulfiram are
called acetaldehyde syndrome. Acetaldehyde syndrome can have mild or severe
symptoms but needs to be avoided.
Naltrexone decreases the craving for alcohol by blocking which receptors?
Opioid
Naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors.
The emergency department nurse has been notified that the squad is bringing in
a patient who has overdosed on opioids. Which type of naltrexone would the
nurse have ready?
Intravenous (IV) naltrexone
IV naltrexone has the quickest onset of action at 1 to 2 minutes. The nurse will ensure
this form of the drug is ready.
Renae has been prescribed naltrexone and has been taking it for several months.
Which symptom associated with naltrexone therapy would the nurse advise
Renae to report immediately to the health care provider?
, Jaundice
Jaundice is a sign of liver dysfunction; because naltrexone is extensively metabolized
by the liver, symptoms of hepatic impairment of any kind should be immediately
reported to the health care provider.
A patient starting disulfiram treatment took their last drink of alcohol at 9:00 p.m.
At which time would the nurse administer the first dose of disulfiram?
9:00 a.m.
Disulfiram can be taken at 9:00 a.m. There must be at least 12 hours between the
patient's last drink and initiating treatment.
Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a 24-year-old patient initiating
naltrexone therapy to treat alcohol misuse?
Ask the patient what kind of support system is in place during and after treatment.
A patient with a good support system in place during and after treatment has a better
chance at remaining alcohol-free. Therefore asking the patient what kind of support
system is in place during and after treatment is an appropriate nursing intervention.
Which dose of naltrexone would the nurse anticipate being prescribed for a
patient who had their last drink 6 days ago and is being discharged to home?
50 mg orally daily
The oral dosage for PO naltrexone is 50 mg once a day; the nurse would anticipate this
dosage to be prescribed.
A patient asks the nurse how disulfiram works. What is the correct nursing
response?
