The nurse is teaching a class on substance use disorders. It would be correct for the nurse to characterize physical dependence as
The nurse is teaching a class on substance use disorders. It would be correct for the nurse to characterize physical dependence as
A. obsessive desire for the euphoric effects of a drug.
[25%]
B. a need for a drug to avoid physical withdrawal symptoms.
[54%]
C. severe effects that may be life-threatening.
[7%]
D. unpleasant symptoms related to the absence of a drug.
[13%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Mental Health
Lesson
Substance Abuse and other dependencies
Client Need
Test Plan
Psychosocial Integrity
Related Topic
Chemical and Other Dependencies/Substance Abuse Disorder
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice B is correct. Physical dependence refers to the body's adaptation to a drug, leading to the development of withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued. Physical dependence is different from addiction, where addiction causes an individual to lose control over an intense need for a drug. Addiction may cause an individual to make consequential choices to obtain the drug, adversely affecting the individual.
Choice A is incorrect. This describes psychological dependence (Addiction), where an individual experiences a strong desire or craving for the pleasurable effects of a drug rather than the physical dependence characterized by withdrawal symptoms.
Choice C is incorrect. This choice describes the potential consequences of substance use disorders rather than physical dependence itself. Severe effects of a drug would best be classified as toxicity. For example, morphine sulfate toxicity could cause life-threatening respiratory depression.
Choice D is incorrect. This describes withdrawal symptoms, but it does not capture the essential aspect of physical dependence, which is the need for the drug to avoid these symptoms. For example, suppose a client is constantly being exposed to opioids. In that case, the lack of the opioid may cause a client to experience unpleasant symptoms such as sweating, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
Additional Info
✓ Tolerance is a normal physiological response that may require a dosage increase or drug holiday (which will reset the client's tolerance levels)
✓ Physical dependence is a biological reaction that may occur after months to years of exposure to a drug.
✓ Addiction is when a client continues to use a drug, despite the negative experience. The client is preoccupied with the substance and may make irrational decisions regarding obtaining the substance.
