Aclient who is alcohol-intoxicated must undergo emergency surgery for abdominal trauma. Which of the following should the nurse anticipate when caring for the client in the perioperative period?
A)An increased dose of the general anaesthetic medication.
B)Frequent monitoring for bleeding and respiratory complications.
C)Development of withdrawal symptoms within a few hours after surgery.
D)Stimulation every hour to prevent prolonged postoperative sedation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clients who are intoxicated at the time of surgery are at increased risk for problems with bleeding and respiratory complications such as aspiration. In an intoxicated client, a lower dose of anesthesia is used because of the synergistic effect of the alcohol. Withdrawal is likely to occur later in the postoperative course because the medications used for anesthesia, sedation, and pain will delay withdrawal symptoms. The client should be monitored frequently for oversedation but does not need to be stimulated.

Aclient Who Is Alcohol-Intoxicated Must Undergo Emergency Surgery for Abdominal