A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Exhibits A nurse is planning care for a client who has alcohol use disorder. For each potential provider's prescription, click to specify if the potential prescription is anticipated or contraindicated for the client.

Group therapy - Anticipated Group therapy is a standard and effective intervention for clients with alcohol use disorder. It provides emotional support, promotes recovery through shared experiences, and helps clients feel less isolated in their struggles. Given the client's history of alcohol use disorder, group therapy would be an important component of their care plan to encourage recovery. Nutritional consult - Anticipated Nutritional consultations are often necessary for clients with alcohol use disorder, as alcohol use can lead to nutritional deficiencies (e.g., thiamine, folic acid). The client reports weight loss and minimal appetite, indicating the need for a dietary assessment and possible supplementation to improve their nutritional status. Propranolol 40 mg PO twice a day - Anticipated Propranolol 40 mg PO twice a day can help manage symptoms like elevated heart rate and blood pressure. Diazepam 10 mg PO three times a day - Anticipated Diazepam (a benzodiazepine) is commonly used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation, anxiety, and tremors. Perform Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) - Anticipated The AUDIT is a screening tool designed to identify individuals with alcohol use disorders. Since the client has a history of alcohol use disorder, using this tool is appropriate for assessing the severity of the client's current alcohol use and any associated risks or complications. A complete blood count (CBC) and basic metabolic profile (BMP) are crucial assessments for clients with alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use can lead to electrolyte imbalances, liver dysfunction, anemia, and other metabolic abnormalities. These tests help evaluate the client's overall health and detect potential complications from alcohol withdrawal or long-term alcohol use. Contraindicated Prescriptions: Schedule electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) - Contraindicated ECT is typically used in cases of severe depression, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric conditions resistant to other treatments. However, ECT is contraindicated in the acute withdrawal phase of alcohol use disorder due to the potential for exacerbating symptoms, such as confusion, agitation, or seizures. The client is currently intoxicated and withdrawing from alcohol, which could make ECT unsafe at this time. Methadone 40 mg PO daily - Contraindicated Methadone is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder and is not indicated for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. This prescription would not be relevant for the client’s needs and would be contraindicated for this diagnosis.