Page 2300 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

12. Weigh daily at the same time, using the same scale,
after the client voids (weighing each day may
decrease anxiety in some clients); when weighing the
client, ensure that the client is wearing the same
clothing as when the previous weight was taken.
13. Monitor and restore fluid and electrolyte balance.
14. Monitor elimination patterns.
15. Assess and limit the client’s activity level (anorexia
nervosa and bulimia nervosa).
16. Encourage the client to participate in diversional
activities.
17. Assess suicide potential.
18. Administer antidepressant medication if prescribed.
19. Encourage psychotherapy.
II. Substance Use Disorders
A. Description: Substance use disorders (addiction) cause behavioral
and physiological changes (Box 66-1).
B. Substance dependence
1. Substance dependence is a pattern of repeated use of a
substance, which usually results in tolerance,
withdrawal symptoms, and compulsive drug-taking
behavior.
2. Substances are taken in larger amounts and over
longer periods than was intended.
3. There is a desire to cut down, but efforts to decrease or
discontinue use are unsuccessful.
4. Daily activities revolve around the use of a substance.

Screening tools are available to assess a substance misuse

disorder; some are Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST), Drug
Abuse Screening Test (DAST), and CAGE screening questionnaire.
C. Substance tolerance is the need for increased amounts of the
substance to achieve the desired effect.
D. Substance misuse
1. Uses substances recurrently
2. Recurrent, significant harmful consequences related to
the use of substances are experienced.
3. Involvement with the legal system is common; the
client may have legal issues to deal with and resolve.
E. Substance withdrawal
1. Physiological and substance-specific cognitive
symptoms occur.
2. Substance withdrawal occurs when an

individual experiences a decrease in blood levels of a
substance on which the individual is physiologically

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