What should nurses be particularly vigilant about when assessing intoxicated individuals?

When assessing intoxicated individuals, nurses should be particularly vigilant about central nervous system depression. Alcohol and many other substances have a significant impact on the central nervous system, often leading to symptoms such as reduced responsiveness, impaired motor skills, altered levels of consciousness, and respiratory depression. Recognizing these symptoms is critical as they can escalate quickly and lead to life-threatening situations, including respiratory failure or coma.

Central nervous system depression can impair the body's ability to maintain vital functions. This emphasizes the importance of monitoring airway patency, breathing, and circulation in intoxicated patients. Early detection of central nervous system depression allows healthcare providers to intervene promptly, which could involve administering supportive care or preparing for advanced interventions.

While dehydration, skin integrity, and nutritional status are important factors to consider in overall patient assessments, they do not pose the immediate life-threatening risk associated with central nervous system depression in intoxicated individuals. Monitoring the central nervous system's status is essential for ensuring patient safety and optimizing care in these situations.