In obtaining a health history on a 74-year-old patient, the nurse notes that he drinks alcohol daily and that he has noticed a tremor in his hands that affects his ability to hold things. With this information, what response should the nurse make?

A) "Does the tremor change when you drink alcohol?"
B) "Does your family know you are drinking every day?"
C) "We'll do some tests to see what is causing the tremor."
D) "You really shouldn't drink so much alcohol; it may be causing your tremor."

Question

Ntemena Yikon'a · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  Although not a recommended treatment, senile tremor is relieved by alcohol. The nurse should assess how alcohol affects the tremor and whether the person is abusing alcohol in an effort to relieve the tremor. Asking whether the family knows he drinks daily does not address the issue of the tremor and it is possible cause. Before ordering tests, a thorough assessment should be performed. Telling the patient he shouldn't drink so much and that drinking may be the cause of his tremor is inappropriate and will likely make the patient defensive.

Definitions

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Related questions