UWorld Mental Health Practice Test 2025 - Free Mental Health Practice Questions and Study Guide

The priority education point for a client prescribed disulfiram for alcohol abstinence focuses on the crucial aspect of avoiding products that contain hidden alcohol. Disulfiram works by inhibiting the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, leading to unpleasant symptoms if alcohol is consumed while taking the medication. These symptoms can include flushing, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations, which can be severe and potentially dangerous.

Clients need to be aware that alcohol can be present in various everyday items, such as certain cough syrups, mouthwashes, foods (like vanilla extract), and even some cleaning products. Educating the client about these hidden sources of alcohol is essential to prevent accidental exposure and ensure adherence to the treatment plan.

While other points, such as the fact that disulfiram is not a cure for alcoholism or the importance of ongoing therapy, are also important, they do not carry the same immediate risk as the ingestion of hidden alcohol while on disulfiram. Similarly, while a medical alert bracelet could be beneficial, it is less critical compared to the need for awareness of alcohol-containing products. Therefore, informing the client about the presence of hidden alcohol is the highest priority to ensure their safety and the effectiveness of the treatment.