Advanced Pharmacology – Psychopharmacology for the Psychiatric‑Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (NR546) Practice Test

During moderate alcohol withdrawal, the autonomic nervous system becomes hyperactivated due to the sudden decrease in blood alcohol levels. This can lead to an increase in both heart rate and blood pressure, as the body reacts to the absence of alcohol, which previously had a depressant effect on the central nervous system. The expected vital sign changes reflect this physiological response, showcasing how the body struggles to regain equilibrium after the sudden cessation of alcohol intake.

In contrast, decreased heart rate and stable respiratory rates are not typically associated with withdrawal symptoms. Enhanced cognitive function is also unlikely, as withdrawal generally results in cognitive impairments such as confusion or disorientation rather than improvement in cognitive capabilities. Thus, the increased heart rate and blood pressure accurately represent the body's response to moderate alcohol withdrawal.