Question

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."

Answer 1

Answer:

C. If I decide to drink, I should stop taking disulfiram at least one week prior to consuming alcohol.

Explanation:

This is because alcohol is contraindicated in disulfiram.

Mechanism of action of disulfiram:

Disulfiram works by blocking the breakdown of alcohol in the body. If then taking alongside alcohol, alcohol will build up in the body (toxins) and cause sickness.