An intoxicated patient presents with slurred speech, mild confusion, and uncooperative behavior. The patient is a poor historian but admits to “drinking a few on the weekend.” What is the priority nursing action for this patient?

Obtain an order for a blood alcohol level.Contact the family to obtain additional history and baseline information.Administer naloxone (Narcan) 2 – 4 mg as ordered. Administer IV fluid support with supplemental thiamine as ordered.

Explanation.

The patient presents with symptoms of alcohol abuse and there is a risk for Wernicke’s syndrome, which is caused by a thiamine deficiency. Multiples drug abuse is not uncommon; however, there is nothing in the question that suggests an opiate overdose that requires naloxone. Additional information or the results of the blood alcohol level are part of the total treatment plan but should not delay the immediate treatment.