HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

Which is a typical assessment for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal?

1. Dehydration

2. Hypoglycemia

3. Tachycardia

4. Hypertension

The correct answer is: Tachycardia

A typical assessment for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal includes the presence of tachycardia. This physiological response occurs as the body reacts to the absence of alcohol, which it has become dependent upon. The central nervous system becomes overactive in the absence of the depressant effects of alcohol, leading to increased heart rate or tachycardia. In alcohol withdrawal, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, which can cause not only tachycardia but also hypertension and other symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, and sweating. Although other factors like dehydration or hypoglycemia may also be relevant in assessing a client's overall health, tachycardia is a direct and common sign specifically associated with alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Its presence can help healthcare providers gauge the severity of withdrawal and the potential need for medical intervention.