A nurse is collecting data from a client who reports recently using cocaine. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Hyperthermia: Cocaine is a stimulant that increases sympathetic nervous system activity, leading to elevated body temperature, tachycardia, and hypertension. Hyperthermia is a common acute effect of cocaine use. B. Increased appetite: Cocaine typically suppresses appetite due to its stimulant effects on the central nervous system. Clients often experience decreased hunger rather than increased appetite. C. Sedation: Cocaine use generally causes CNS stimulation, resulting in agitation, restlessness, or insomnia rather than sedation. Sedative effects are more characteristic of depressant substances. D. Hypotension: Cocaine causes vasoconstriction and sympathetic stimulation, which usually leads to elevated blood pressure. Hypotension is not expected and may indicate a complication or co-ingestion of another substance.