Nursing Interventions and Treatment Flashcards
7 cards from real CARN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Nursing Interventions and Treatment flashcards as text
A patient with benzodiazepine use disorder is being tapered using a long-acting agent. What is the clinical rationale for using a long-acting benzodiazepine like diazepam for taper?
Answer: The prolonged half-life produces a smoother, self-tapering effect that reduces withdrawal severity
Diazepam's long half-life and active metabolites create a gradual, self-tapering plasma level decrease, producing a smoother withdrawal and reducing seizure risk.
Which nursing intervention is essential when caring for a patient receiving disulfiram (Antabuse) for alcohol use disorder?
Answer: Monitor liver function tests periodically and teach the patient to avoid all alcohol-containing products, including mouthwash and some foods
Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase; even small amounts of alcohol in products like mouthwash can precipitate a severe reaction, and hepatotoxicity monitoring is required.
A nurse is implementing contingency management (CM) for a patient with stimulant use disorder. Which behavior best describes the core principle of CM?
Answer: Offering tangible incentives (vouchers or prizes) contingent on verified negative drug screens
Contingency management uses positive reinforcement—typically vouchers or prize draws—delivered immediately upon verified abstinence to strengthen drug-free behavior.
A 28-year-old patient with opioid use disorder who is pregnant is asking about treatment options. Which statement reflects current evidence-based practice?
Answer: Buprenorphine or methadone maintenance is preferred over detoxification because it reduces fetal distress and preterm labor risk
ACOG and SAMHSA recommend opioid agonist maintenance (methadone or buprenorphine) during pregnancy because abrupt withdrawal increases risk of fetal distress, miscarriage, and preterm birth.
A nurse is educating a patient about naloxone (Narcan) take-home kits. Which patient statement indicates understanding of when to use it?
Answer: I should give it to someone who is unresponsive, has slow or no breathing, and may have taken opioids
Naloxone is indicated for suspected opioid overdose characterized by unresponsiveness, slow/absent breathing, and known or suspected opioid exposure; 911 must also be called.
Which intervention reflects trauma-informed care principles when working with a patient with substance use disorder who has a history of sexual abuse?
Answer: Create a safe, predictable environment; explain procedures before performing them; and never force disclosure
Trauma-informed care emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, and choice—including explaining what will happen before it does and never pressuring patients to disclose trauma.
A patient in recovery from alcohol use disorder asks about the recommended duration of pharmacotherapy with naltrexone. What is the evidence-based guidance?
Answer: Treatment duration is individualized; many guidelines recommend at least 6–12 months and ongoing use for patients at high relapse risk
Evidence supports a minimum of 3–6 months with reassessment; longer treatment is recommended for patients with severe AUD or repeated relapse history.