Question

A nurse is working in a group home for young adults with a history of substance abuse.

1. What are some signs and symptoms that the nurse should look for to ascertain whether a client has returned to “using”?
2. What therapeutic interventions may be most helpful for this group of clients?

Answer 1

Answer: The signs and symptoms that the nurse should look for to ascertain whether a client has returned to “using" are:

• If the person is having substance abuse disorder, he may feel exhilarated.
• Agressive behaviour.
• Rambling speech
• Dilated pupils.
• Restlessness.

If the client has stop using the substance abuse then there would be withdrawal symptoms such as increased urge, irritation, aggressive behaviour, weight gain.

The nurse need to intervene about the symptoms of the substance abuse disorder. The nurse need to provide counseling, cognitive behavioural therapy. The nurse can also encourage clients to do meditation which could reduce the urge of the addiction. Naltrexone can be given according to their condition.