A nurse is caring for a client admitted to the hospital for heroin detoxification. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for addressing the client's withdrawal symptoms?
A nurse is caring for a client admitted to the hospital for heroin detoxification. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for addressing the client's withdrawal symptoms?
A. Administering antipsychotic medications
[13%]
B. Providing a warm, quiet environment
[49%]
C. Encouraging increased fluid intake
[23%]
D. Restricting caffeine intake
[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
Application
Explanation
Choice B is correct. Heroin withdrawal can cause symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, and muscle aches. Providing a warm, quiet environment can help alleviate some of these symptoms and promote relaxation.
Choice A is incorrect. Antipsychotic medications are not typically used for heroin withdrawal. They may be indicated for specific symptoms such as severe agitation or hallucinations, but they are not the primary intervention for managing withdrawal.
Choice C is incorrect. While encouraging fluid intake is important for general health, it does not directly address heroin withdrawal symptoms. Other interventions, such as providing a calm environment or administering medications for symptom management, are generally more directly beneficial.
Choice D is incorrect. Although caffeine intake may exacerbate symptoms such as anxiety or restlessness, restricting caffeine intake alone is unlikely to be the most appropriate intervention for addressing the complex needs of a client undergoing heroin detoxification.
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2 Key Topics
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Additional Info
✓ Depending on the severity of withdrawal symptoms, pharmacological interventions may be necessary. Medications commonly used for heroin detoxification include opioid agonists (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine) or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists (e.g., clonidine) to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These medications should be administered and monitored closely according to protocol.
✓ Clients undergoing heroin detoxification may have poor nutritional status due to substance use disorder. Encouraging healthy eating habits and providing nutritional support can aid in physical recovery and overall well-being.
✓ Research published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that medication-assisted treatment (MAT), such as methadone or buprenorphine, combined with behavioral therapies, can be effective in reducing opioid use and improving outcomes for individuals undergoing heroin detoxification.
