Detox Detox Safety and Monitoring 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most dangerous complication of rapid, unsupervised alcohol detox?
- Grand mal seizures (Correct answer)
- Mild headache
- Temporary insomnia
- Mild anxiety
Correct answer: Grand mal seizures
Alcohol withdrawal seizures can occur 6–48 hours after the last drink and can be fatal without prompt medical management.
Question 2: Which vital sign trend during alcohol detox should prompt immediate physician evaluation?
- Rapidly rising heart rate and blood pressure (Correct answer)
- Stable temperature of 98.6°F
- Mild decrease in respiratory rate
- Gradual improvement in orientation
Correct answer: Rapidly rising heart rate and blood pressure
Tachycardia and hypertension are signs of autonomic instability that can precede delirium tremens and require urgent intervention.
Question 3: What is a common detox safety protocol for patients at high fall risk during withdrawal?
- Frequent neuro checks, bed alarms, and assisted ambulation (Correct answer)
- Leaving patients alone to rest quietly
- Removing all monitoring equipment to reduce agitation
- Encouraging unassisted ambulation immediately
Correct answer: Frequent neuro checks, bed alarms, and assisted ambulation
Patients experiencing withdrawal may have confusion, ataxia, and orthostatic hypotension, making fall prevention protocols essential.
Question 4: Which laboratory value is routinely monitored during medical alcohol detox to detect liver damage?
- Liver enzymes (AST, ALT) (Correct answer)
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Hemoglobin A1c
- Urine creatinine
Correct answer: Liver enzymes (AST, ALT)
AST and ALT are liver enzymes elevated in alcoholic hepatitis, and their levels guide treatment decisions during detox.
Question 5: What does a pulse oximetry reading below 92% indicate in a detox patient requiring monitoring?
- Hypoxia requiring supplemental oxygen (Correct answer)
- Normal oxygenation
- Hyperventilation syndrome
- Carbon dioxide retention
Correct answer: Hypoxia requiring supplemental oxygen
SpO2 below 92% indicates inadequate oxygen saturation, which may require supplemental O2 and evaluation for pulmonary complications.
Question 6: Why is aspiration risk particularly high in patients undergoing alcohol or sedative detox?
- Impaired gag reflex and altered consciousness increase risk of vomiting and aspiration (Correct answer)
- Detox patients never vomit
- Aspiration only occurs in surgical patients
- Detox medications prevent all vomiting
Correct answer: Impaired gag reflex and altered consciousness increase risk of vomiting and aspiration
Altered mental status and suppressed protective reflexes during withdrawal or sedation increase the risk of aspirating vomit into the lungs.
Detox Detox Safety and Monitoring 1
What is the most dangerous complication of rapid, unsupervised alcohol detox?