RN mgmt of addictions Flashcards
Addiction
-Brain disorder that involves chronic “Drug” seeking of substances that cause harm to brain and bodily functions
-Affects self control, causes stress and has a high relapse potential
-Its a cycle that involves them feeling guilt and then continuing to use due to a trigger
Misuse
-Recurrent substance use, not addiction
-Taking more than prescribed on a regular basis or outside medical necessity
- I would liken it to being your own pharmacist
Tolerance
The need for increased levels of a substance for the same affect achieved previously
-Person needing to drink more to get drunk
Drug Diversion
-Obtaining prescription drugs who are giving/selling to those who are not prescribed
-Getting oxy from your mom after your prescription ran out
Dependence
-Repeated use of a. substance resulting in tolerance, withdrawal symptoms and compulsive drug taking behavior
-“Real addiction”
-Substances taken in larger amounts and over longer periods of times than originally intended
-Unsuccessful to cut down or quit
-Daily activities revolve around use
Substance withdrawl
-Decreased blood level of a substance on which they are dependent= PHYSIOLOGICAL response
-Can withdraw due to certain events “MVA, Incarceration)
Risk factors for developing substance use disorder
-Parent has AUD and SUB (Nature and nurture)
-Acts of rebellion in youth
-Coping to deal with stressors
-Grief or loss
Dopamine
Reward center
Acetycholine
Excitatory, memory, muscular skeletal
Serotonin
Mood, appetite, sensory
True or false, a long term Coke user quits cold turkey, the dopamine comes back right away
False, dopamine does eventually come back, but it takes a longer period of time. This ties into the psych dependence of coke rather than the physical. As during this period you would be craving that dopamine
What gender becomes addicted faster
Young women become addicted faster
What gender is addicted at higher rates
Young men, this is tied to the notion that men are more likely to engage in risky behavior
Consequences of drug use
People usually wait until health issues arise to come in
-Stroke
-HD
-Cancer
-Mental health issues
-Hep C and HIV
-Dental issues
-Damage to brain or spinal cord (fetal alc)
-Death
Effects on others with drug use
-Neonatal abstinence syndrome
-Secondhand smoke and lung disease
-Risky sexual encounters with someone who is an IV drug user
-Auto accidents with an impaired driver
Is narcan a one and done
NO, its not 100% effective and still requires you to go to the hospital to receive treatment, you can still overdose
CAGE questions
C: Cutting back
A: Annoyed by criticism
G: Guilty feeling
E: Eye openers
Example:
Have you felt the need to cut back
Have people annoyed you be critiquing your drinking
Have you felt guilty about your drinking
Have you had a drink in the morning to steady your nerves
Appearance of someone with alc misuse
Speech slurred, lack of coordination, unsteady gait, restless, confusion
Vitals of someone with alc misuse
Elevated BP, elevated pulse
Synergistic effects
Certain medications increase the effect of another
-Some meds with alcohol increase CNS depression
-Alc and lithium/benzos
Alc Withdrawl
-Early signs within 7 hours, and may continue for 5-7 days
-Peaks after 24-48 hours
-Symptoms include: Abdominal cramping, vomiting, tremors, restlessness, inability to sleep, increased HR/BP/RR/Temp
-Look for sweaty, tremors
-Hyperalert, irritability, shaking, anxiety (Opposite of CNS depression)
-Tonic clonic seizures possible
-Transitionary illusions: terrifying misinterpretations of objects in environment
-Can be fatal
Repeat-ant attempts at quitting a substance
Withdrawal gets worse each time
Withdrawal Delirium
-Medical emergency, can lead to death
-Peaks 2-3 days after cessation
-Severe hypertension, dysrhythmias, increased body temp (100 degrees plus)
-Hallucinations
-Delusions
-Agitated behaviors
-Fluctuating loss of consciousness
First changes are super subtle and you have to specifically be looking for it or youll miss it, however if you can notice it, you can ensure the best outcomes
Altered mental status vs Delirium
AMS requires a baseline measurement
Delirium is an acute change: First sign is subtle
Alc delirium progression
-Day 3 issue
-First signs are subtle
-Intermediate signs are less subtle
-If caught in early signs pt can be brought back and prevent full blown delirum tremens
-Need increased observation for safety, 1:1 and restraints when allowed
-Restraints wont stop a hyperactive pt from hurting themselves
-Needs supportive care, re-orientation and re-direction
-Anti psych are used as treatment
Meds for Alc withdrawal
Benzo: Calm them down/ prevent seizures
Anticonvulsants: Prevent seizures
Beta blockers: Blood pressure
MgSO4, thiamine, folic acid and multivitamins