A Patient Who Is an Alcoholic Is Prescribed Disulfiram [Antabuse]

question 14

Multiple Choice

A patient who is an alcoholic is prescribed disulfiram [Antabuse] to help prevent relapse and the nurse provides teaching about the use of this drug. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?

• A) "I may use alcohol in cooking since heating foods destroys the alcohol."
• B) "I should avoid shaving lotion and mouthwashes that contain even small amounts of alcohol."
• C) "If I decide to drink, I should stop taking the disulfiram at least one week prior to consuming alcohol."
• D) "If I use alcohol, the effects will be uncomfortable but are not dangerous."

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Definitions:

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in many functions including muscle movement, heart rate, memory, and the sleep-wake cycle.

Alzheimer's Disease

A progressive neurological disorder that causes memory loss, cognitive impairment, and eventual loss of independent functioning.

Memory Decline

The gradual deterioration of memory functions, often associated with aging or neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

ApoE

A gene associated with the risk and timing of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.