A nurse caring for a client in amphetamine withdrawal should assess for which common symptom?

A nurse caring for a client in amphetamine withdrawal should assess for which common symptom?

• A. Disturbed sleep
• B. Increased yawning
• C. Psychomotor agitation
• D. Inability to concentrate

Answer: (A)

When considering the symptoms commonly associated with amphetamine withdrawal, disturbed sleep is a prominent concern. Withdrawal from amphetamines often leads to sleep disturbances, including insomnia and hypersomnia, as the body readjusts after the absence of the stimulant. The stimulant properties of amphetamines typically increase alertness and decrease the need for sleep while using the drug. Hence, when individuals stop taking amphetamines, their ability to sleep becomes compromised, resulting in the need for assessment of their sleep patterns during withdrawal. The other symptoms mentioned, such as increased yawning, psychomotor agitation, and inability to concentrate, are also relevant in the context of amphetamine withdrawal but are not as universally reported or defining as disturbed sleep. Increased yawning can occur but is less specific and not as critical an assessment point as sleep issues. Psychomotor agitation may appear later in the withdrawal process but can sometimes be more associated with stimulant overdose rather than withdrawal itself. Inability to concentrate can be a secondary effect of other withdrawal symptoms but does not specifically encapsulate the breadth of distressed sleep patterns that are commonly observed. Therefore, assessing for disturbed sleep is considered a central aspect of managing a client undergoing amphetamine withdrawal.

When considering the symptoms commonly associated with amphetamine withdrawal, disturbed sleep is a prominent concern. Withdrawal from amphetamines often leads to sleep disturbances, including insomnia and hypersomnia, as the body readjusts after the absence of the stimulant. The stimulant properties of amphetamines typically increase alertness and decrease the need for sleep while using the drug. Hence, when individuals stop taking amphetamines, their ability to sleep becomes compromised, resulting in the need for assessment of their sleep patterns during withdrawal.

The other symptoms mentioned, such as increased yawning, psychomotor agitation, and inability to concentrate, are also relevant in the context of amphetamine withdrawal but are not as universally reported or defining as disturbed sleep. Increased yawning can occur but is less specific and not as critical an assessment point as sleep issues. Psychomotor agitation may appear later in the withdrawal process but can sometimes be more associated with stimulant overdose rather than withdrawal itself. Inability to concentrate can be a secondary effect of other withdrawal symptoms but does not specifically encapsulate the breadth of distressed sleep patterns that are commonly observed. Therefore, assessing for disturbed sleep is considered a central aspect of managing a client undergoing amphetamine withdrawal.