A nurse is providing medication teaching about disulfiram for a client who has alcohol use disorder. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Disulfiram is not administered as a monthly injection. It is an oral medication taken daily. Monthly injectable medications for alcohol use disorder include naltrexone (extended-release form), not disulfiram. B. Disulfiram is started after the client has abstained from alcohol for at least 12 hours, and preferably when they are motivated to remain alcohol-free. It is not used as a preparatory medication to gradually stop drinking over a 2-week period. C. The duration of disulfiram therapy is individualized based on treatment response and relapse risk. There is no standard requirement to take it for a fixed long-term period such as 5 years. Treatment is typically continued as long as it supports abstinence and the client remains at risk for relapse. D. Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing an accumulation of acetaldehyde if alcohol is consumed. Even small amounts of alcohol found in over-the-counter medications (such as cough syrups, mouthwashes, or elixirs) can trigger a severe disulfiram reaction, which may include flushing, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, and tachycardia. Therefore, strict avoidance of all alcohol-containing products is essential.