You are caring for a client admitted to the medical-surgical unit with a suspected alcohol use disorder. The client has tremors, agitation, a blood pressure of 170/92 mmHg, and complaints of nausea and headache. What is the nurse's priority intervention based on the current observations?
Place the client on fluid restriction to prevent overhydration
Administer prescribed benzodiazepines for symptom management
Reorient the client to their surroundings to reduce agitation
Encourage the client to drink fluids to reduce dehydration
The correct answer is to administer prescribed benzodiazepines, as they are commonly used to manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, such as tremors, agitation, and increased blood pressure. Benzodiazepines work by reducing central nervous system hyperactivity and lowering the risk of seizures and delirium tremens. Reorienting the client to the environment is supportive but does not address the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal. Encouraging the client to drink fluids does not manage withdrawal symptoms effectively. Placing the client on fluid restriction is inappropriate, as dehydration is not indicated in this scenario.
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Psychosocial Integrity
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