A nurse is reviewing new prescriptions for a client who is experiencing acute manifestations of alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect the provider to prescribe for this client?

Choice A reason: Disulfiram deters drinking by causing adverse reactions with alcohol, used in maintenance, not acute withdrawal. It doesn’t manage withdrawal symptoms like tremors or seizures, risking harm in this phase. This medication is for sobriety support, not acute care, so it’s incorrect. Choice B reason: Chlordiazepoxide, a benzodiazepine, reduces acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms—agitation, seizures—by enhancing GABA, calming the CNS. It’s a standard prescription for this stage, preventing delirium tremens. This aligns with treatment protocols, making it the expected and correct choice. Choice C reason: Buprenorphine treats opioid dependence via partial opioid agonism, not alcohol withdrawal, which involves GABA/glutamate imbalance. It lacks efficacy for alcohol-related symptoms like seizures, misaligning with this client’s needs. This is an inappropriate medication here. Choice D reason: Bupropion aids smoking cessation or depression by dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibition, not addressing alcohol withdrawal’s acute neurological effects. It’s unrelated to managing tremors or anxiety in this context. This choice doesn’t fit the clinical scenario, so it’s incorrect.