Disulfiram therapy is indicated in :

Appeared in: IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Explanation

Disulfiram is an aversive conditioning agent used in the management of chronic alcohol dependence.
Its purpose is to enforce abstinence by creating a highly unpleasant physical reaction if the person consumes alcohol.
The therapy is suitable for motivated individuals who are part of a comprehensive treatment program, including counseling and support groups.
It works by irreversibly inhibiting the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, leading to a toxic accumulation of acetaldehyde upon alcohol ingestion.

Option A: Administering disulfiram to a person with acute alcohol intoxication is a major contraindication. It would immediately trigger a severe and potentially fatal disulfiram-ethanol reaction.
Option B: Disulfiram has no effect on the opioid system. It is not used for opioid intoxication or dependence.
Option C: Disulfiram does not affect the metabolism of cannabis (THC) and is not indicated for the treatment of cannabis dependence.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacological treatment for alcohol use disorder helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Patient education is a critical nursing responsibility. Nurses must thoroughly explain all potential sources of hidden alcohol (e.g., foods, sauces, topical products, mouthwash) to prevent accidental reactions.
A key safety measure is to ensure the patient has been abstinent from alcohol for at least 12 hours before the first dose is administered.
Nurses should inform patients that the effects of disulfiram can last for up to two weeks after the last dose, meaning they must continue to avoid alcohol during this period.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the drug mentioned in the question stem: Disulfiram.
Recall the primary pharmacological use of this drug. Disulfiram is known as an alcohol-aversive agent.
Analyze the options in the context of this primary use.
Option A (Alcohol intoxication) is an acute state. Aversive therapy is for long-term management, not acute treatment, and is contraindicated during intoxication.
Options B (Opioid intoxication) and C (Cannabis dependence) involve different classes of substances. Disulfiram is specific to alcohol metabolism.
Option D (Alcohol dependence) refers to the chronic condition where a patient needs support to maintain abstinence, which perfectly matches the purpose of aversive therapy like disulfiram.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QNWwy-4H_Ir-afRGDXdsLk

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 2184-2186

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 2 p. 156-158

Practise the full IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.