NR 426 EXAM |ALCOHOL QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE A+

NR 426 Exam: Alcohol-Related Questions and Answers

The NR 426 exam, a pivotal assessment for nursing students, rigorously evaluates knowledge pertinent to alcohol-related topics. Mastery of this subject is indispensable for aspiring nurses, as it encompasses critical aspects of patient care, including the identification and management of alcohol use disorders, understanding the physiological effects of alcohol, and implementing effective interventions.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorders

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is characterized by a pattern of alcohol consumption leading to significant impairment or distress. This condition manifests through various symptoms, such as a strong desire to consume alcohol, unsuccessful attempts to reduce intake, and continued use despite adverse consequences. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for nurses to provide timely and appropriate care.

Key Questions and Answers

1. What are the diagnostic criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder?

   The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines specific criteria for diagnosing AUD, including:

   • Consuming alcohol in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.

   • Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.

   • Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol.

   • Craving or a strong desire to use alcohol.

   • Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.

   • Continued use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.

   • Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.

   • Recurrent alcohol use in situations where it is physically hazardous.

   • Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem likely caused or exacerbated by alcohol.

   • Tolerance, as defined by either a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect, or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.

   • Withdrawal, as manifested by either characteristic withdrawal symptoms for alcohol, or alcohol (or a closely related substance) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

2. What are the physiological effects of chronic alcohol consumption?

   Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to numerous physiological effects, including:

   • Liver damage, such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

   • Cardiovascular issues, including hypertension, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy.

   • Neurological impairments, such as peripheral neuropathy and cognitive deficits.

   • Gastrointestinal problems, including gastritis and pancreatitis.

   • Increased risk of certain cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast.

3. What are the recommended screening tools for identifying alcohol use disorders?

   Several screening tools are utilized to identify AUD, including:

   • AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test): A 10-item questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization to screen for alcohol consumption, drinking behaviors, and alcohol-related problems.

   • CAGE Questionnaire: A four-question tool focusing on the need to Cut down, Annoyance by criticism, Guilt about drinking, and Eye-openers (morning drinking).

   • T-ACE Questionnaire: A brief screening tool that includes questions about tolerance, annoyance, cut down, and eye-openers.

   • SMAST-G (Short Michigan Alcohol Screening Test-Geriatric Version): A 10-item screening tool designed for older adults to identify alcohol-related problems.

4. What are the first-line treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder?

   First-line treatments for AUD include:

   • Behavioral Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement therapy (MET) are effective in helping individuals change drinking behaviors.

   • Pharmacotherapy: Medications such as disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone can be prescribed to support abstinence and reduce cravings.

   • Support Groups: Participation in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provides peer support and accountability.

5. What are the potential complications of untreated Alcohol Use Disorder?

   Untreated AUD can lead to severe complications, including:

   • Chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis.

   • Cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure and arrhythmias.

   • Neurological impairments, such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

   • Gastrointestinal bleeding.

   • Increased risk of accidents and injuries.

   • Mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.

   • Social and occupational impairments.

Conclusion

A comprehensive understanding of alcohol-related topics is imperative for nursing professionals. The NR 426 exam serves as a critical assessment tool, ensuring that nursing students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, manage, and support individuals affected by Alcohol Use Disorder. By mastering these concepts, nurses can significantly contribute to improving patient outcomes and promoting public health.

Below are sample Questions and Answers:

The nurse provides care for a 3-year-old client who is diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome and has the
following laboratory values: serum albumin is 1.5 g/dL (15 g/L), serum total cholesterol is 285 mg/dL
(7.4 mmol/L), and urinalysis indicates 3+ protein. Which pathological process does this data reflect as
the cause of the client's diagnosis?
Glomerular injury.
Genetic hypercholesterolemia.
Liver damage.
Severe malnutrition.
The nurse provides care for a preschool-age client who is prescribed furosemide for the edema
associated with nephrotic syndrome. Which laboratory result requires practition notification?
Serum hematocrit 38%
Serum glucose 75 mg/dL
Serum sodium 134 mEq/L
Serum potassium 3 mEq/L
The nurse develops a plan of care to address activity intolerance for a pediatric client who is
diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and edema. Which intervention should the nurse include
in the plan of care to address this nursing diagnosis?
Encourage the child to ambulate.
Monitor the child's intake and output.
Provide the child with high calorie
meals.
Administer the child's prescribed diuretics.
Which assessment finding is most concerning to the nurse for a child who is diagnosed with diarrhea
caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli)?
Small amount of blood in
stool. The child consumes fruit
juice. Skin turgor that is
tenting.