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, specify if the potential prescription is anticipated or contraindicated for the client.

a. Methadone 40 mg PO daily: This is contraindicated. Methadone is primarily used for opioid withdrawal and maintenance, not for alcohol withdrawal. b. Nutritional consult: This is anticipated. Nutritional therapy can help balance out the loss of nutrients due to heavy drinking. c. Perform Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT): This is contraindicated. AUDIT is a screening tool for assessing alcohol consumption and related problems, but it’s not typically used once a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder has been established and the patient is in withdrawal. d. Complete blood count and basic metabolic profile: This is anticipated. These tests can help assess the patient’s overall health status and identify any potential complications related to alcohol withdrawal67. e. Group therapy: This is anticipated. Group therapy can provide peer support and is often beneficial in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. f. Schedule electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): This is contraindicated. ECT is typically used for severe depression and other psychiatric disorders, not for alcohol withdrawal. g. Diazepam 10 mg PO three times a day: This is anticipated. Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, is commonly used in the management of alcohol withdrawal to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. h. Propranolol 40 mg PO twice a day: This is contraindicated. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is not typically used as a first-line treatment for alcohol withdrawal. It may be used to manage some symptoms such as tremors or high blood pressure, but it does not prevent seizures, a potential complication of alcohol withdrawal.