Psychosocial Integrity Q 6
The client is admitted to the chemical dependence unit with an order for continuous observation. The nurse is aware that the doctor has ordered continuous observation because:
A. Hallucinogenic drugs create both stimulant and depressant effects.
B. Hallucinogenic drugs induce a state of altered perception.
C. Hallucinogenic drugs produce severe respiratory depression.
D. Hallucinogenic drugs induce rapid physical dependence.
Correct Answer: B. Hallucinogenic drugs induce a state of altered perception.
Hallucinogenic drugs can cause hallucinations. Continuous observation is ordered to prevent the client from harming himself during withdrawal. Adverse effects are extremely subjective, with significant variability and unpredictability. One patient may experience a positive effect filled with bright hallucinations, sights and sensations, increased awareness owing to mind expansion, and marked euphoria. The positive spectrum of effects is colloquially called a “good trip.”
Option A: Another patient may experience the total opposite that is filled with increased anxiety becoming panic, fear, depression, despair, and disappointment. The negative spectrum is colloquially called a “bad trip.” One patient can experience both the positive and negative spectrum at different times of use.
Option C: Hallucinogenic drugs don’t create both stimulant and depressant effects or produce severe respiratory depression. One of the more disturbing side effects of LSD is the flashback. Flashbacks can be induced by stress or fatigue and by using other drugs. Often a flashback of a “bad trip” can occur without warning, even if the patient was not currently under the influence of LSD.
Option D: They do produce psychological dependence rather than physical dependence. Daily ingestion is almost impossible because it produces an absurd “good trip” or high, making abuse of LSD difficult. The dependence on LSD, therefore, is not from physical effects or cravings but psychological dependence or need.