wk5: substance use

Question 1

Why is alcohol considered the most harmful AOD in Australia?

Answer 1

It’s the most commonly used substance and causes more harm than any other drug.

Question 2

What is the max recommended alcohol intake?

Answer 2

4 standard drinks/day or 10/week (1 standard drink = 10g alcohol).

Question 2

List one positive and one negative effect of alcohol.

Answer 2

Good: May reduce depression and heart disease.

Bad: Largest contributor to AOD harm in Australia.

Question 3

What are common effects of amphetamines?

Answer 3

Euphoria, energy, insomnia, sympathetic effects like tachycardia and hypertension.

Question 4

What mental health condition can amphetamines induce?

Answer 4

Drug-induced psychosis.

Question 5

What are medical and harmful uses of amphetamines?

Answer 5

Good: ADHD and narcolepsy.

Bad: Misused for weight loss.

Question 6

What is a potential danger of combining caffeine with alcohol?

Answer 6

Can lead to arrhythmias and even death.

Question 7

What are moderate and excessive effects of caffeine?

Answer 7

Moderate: Cardio-protective.

High: Irritability, insomnia.

Question 8

What happens with sudden cannabis cessation after regular use?

Answer 8

Withdrawal syndrome (especially if mixed with tobacco).

Question 9

Why is cocaine use associated with frequent dosing?

Answer 9

It has a short duration of action.

Question 10

List one good and one harmful effect of cannabis.

Answer 10

Good: Anti-epileptic, antiemetic.

Bad: Lung damage, potential link to schizophrenia.

Question 11

What is a major health risk of heavy cocaine use?

Answer 11

Cardiac damage and paranoid psychosis.

Question 12

What makes GHB overdose common?

Answer 12

It has a narrow therapeutic window.

Question 13

Name one benefit and one risk of GHB.

Answer 13

Good: Used in narcolepsy and alcohol withdrawal.

Bad: Causes long-term cognitive deterioration.

Question 14

Why is methamphetamine linked to dual diagnosis?

Answer 14

It’s commonly used with mental health issues and causes psychosis.

Question 15

List one medical use and one major issue.

Answer 15

Good: Narcolepsy and ADHD.

Bad: High addiction and mental health impact.

Question 16

What is the “comedown” effect of MDMA?

Answer 16

Restless sleep, irritability, paranoia.

Question 17

Why is MDMA use dangerous?

Answer 17

Adulterated pills and combining with alcohol increases harm.

Question 18

What diseases are associated with nicotine use?

Answer 18

Lung cancer, CVD, COPD.

Question 19

Is vaping safer than smoking?

Answer 19

No, vaping is considered worse.

Question 20

What should nurses provide to support quitting?

Answer 20

Nicotine replacement therapy.

Question 21

What’s a major concern with pharmaceutical opiates?

Answer 21

OD rates outweigh those from illicit opiates.

Question 22

What’s the clinical benefit?

Answer 22

Severe pain relief (e.g. post-op).

Question 23

What reverses heroin overdose?

Answer 23

Naloxone

Question 24

Long-term effects of repeated OD?

Answer 24

Cognitive impairment due to hypoxia.

Question 25

What are potential therapeutic effects?

Answer 25

Reduce depression, PTSD, addiction.

Question 26

What’s a risk with lab-made psychedelics?

Answer 26

Potency can lead to fatal misadventure (e.g. jumping from windows).

Question 27

Why is AOD assessment important in clinical settings?

Answer 27

It identifies risks, prevents complications, and enables early intervention.

Question 28

Name three common AOD assessment tools.

Answer 28

AUDIT, DUDIT, ASSIST.

Question 29

What scale is used for alcohol withdrawal?

Answer 29

AWS (based on CIWA-Ar).

Question 30

What medication is commonly used during withdrawal?

Answer 30

Diazepam

Question 31

What is harm reduction?

Answer 31

A public health strategy to minimise AOD harms without requiring abstinence.

Question 32

Name three harm reduction strategies.

Answer 32

Needle exchanges, pill testing, safe injecting sites.

Question 33

How can we reduce stigma through language?

Answer 33

Use “person with substance use disorder” instead of “addict”.

Question 34

What are the effects of stigma on AOD users?

Answer 34

Less healthcare access, social isolation, worse mental health, reduced compassion from clinicians.

Question 35

What is the harm of labelling substances as “bad”?

Answer 35

Reinforces moral judgment, ignores root causes, and promotes shame.

Question 36

What clinical signs suggest the client is experiencing alcohol withdrawal?

Answer 36

Sweating, tremors, vomiting, agitation, anxiety, and psychomotor restlessness.

Question 37

What scale is used to assess alcohol withdrawal severity?

Answer 37

The Alcohol Withdrawal Scale (AWS).

Question 38

What is the significance of a 3-minute loss of consciousness with a head strike?

Answer 38

Indicates a traumatic brain injury; requires neurological assessment and monitoring.

Question 39

What symptoms indicate possible psychotic relapse in the client?

Answer 39

Paranoid delusions (e.g., surveillance beliefs), intense stare, muttering to self, psychomotor agitation.

Question 40

Why are clients considered high risk despite denying hallucinations?

Answer 40

He shows paranoid ideation, disorganised thinking, and poor insight, which increases the risk of aggression or harm.

Question 41

Why is polysubstance use especially concerning in unwell clients?

Answer 41

Increased risk of overdose, drug interactions, worsening psychiatric symptoms, and complicated withdrawal presentations.

Question 42

What is paliperidone and why is it prescribed?

Answer 42

An atypical antipsychotic used as a long-acting injection for schizophrenia.

Question 43

Why is it significant that the client cannot recall their last depot injection?

Answer 43

Suggests poor treatment adherence, likely contributing to symptom relapse.

Question 44

What is the purpose of placing a client on an Assessment Order?

Answer 44

To allow compulsory mental health assessment under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act (2022) when there is risk and the person lacks insight.

Question 45

What is the role of the ECATT nurse during a psychiatric crisis?

Answer 45

To assess mental state, determine risk, initiate treatment planning, and provide interim support until psychiatric review.

Question 46

List three harm minimisation strategies relevant to the client’s case.

Answer 46

Education on safe injecting practices, linking with needle exchange programs, supporting engagement with detox/rehab services.

Question 47

What are key nursing interventions for managing withdrawal in the ED?

Answer 47

Monitor vital signs, administer benzodiazepines if indicated, provide hydration and nutrition, document symptoms, and ensure a safe environment.

Question 48

What social factors may impact the client's health outcomes?

Answer 48

Living alone, unstable housing, low income (disability pension), poor social support, forensic history.

Question 49

What is dual diagnosis?

Answer 49

The co-occurrence of a mental health disorder and substance use disorder in one individual.