Which of the following is an appropriate priority intervention for a patient admitted with acute alcohol intoxication?

• A. Restrain when restless.
• B. Darken the room.
• C. Monitor vital signs.
• D. Check seizure precaution equipment.

Answer: (C)

Monitoring vital signs is the most important early step because acute alcohol intoxication can rapidly affect breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and level of consciousness. Keeping a close eye on these measurements allows you to detect deterioration early—such as respiratory depression, hypotension, or changes in mental status—and take timely actions like providing airway support, fluids, or notifying the medical team. This continuous physiological assessment lays the groundwork for all further care.

Restraints are not the initial intervention here; they carry significant risk and should only be used with clear orders and when safer, less restrictive options fail to protect the patient or others. Darkening the room might help comfort, but it doesn’t address the critical need to monitor bodily functions. Checking seizure precautions is important in certain situations, but it isn’t the priority unless there are signs that seizures could occur; ongoing vital signs monitoring directly informs whether seizure precautions or other urgent interventions are needed.