247SimpleTests
NCLEX · Substance Use and Dependencies

A client experiencing opioid withdrawal asks when they should expect symptoms to peak. What is the most accurate response for heroin/short-acting opioid withdrawal?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Symptoms peak 36-72 hours after the last dose for short-acting opioids (heroin, oxycodone); earlier onset (6-24 hours) with peak at 36-72 hours; symptoms resolve within 5-7 days

  1. A Immediately upon the last dose
  2. B Symptoms peak at 2 weeks
  3. C Opioid withdrawal has no predictable timeline
  4. D Symptoms peak 36-72 hours after the last dose for short-acting opioids (heroin, oxycodone); earlier onset (6-24 hours) with peak at 36-72 hours; symptoms resolve within 5-7 days

Why this is the answer

Opioid withdrawal timeline: Depends on the opioid type: SHORT-ACTING (heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone): Onset 6-24 hours; Peak 36-72 hours; Resolution 5-7 days; LONG-ACTING (methadone): Onset 36-48 hours; Peak 72-96 hours; Resolution 2-3 weeks.

Symptoms: Early: yawning, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, diaphoresis; Peak: severe myalgias, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, gooseflesh (piloerection), anxiety, insomnia, severe drug craving.

Medical significance: Opioid withdrawal is RARELY life-threatening in healthy adults (unlike alcohol withdrawal which can cause fatal seizures); however, dehydration from vomiting/diarrhoea can be dangerous.

Treatment: Methadone or buprenorphine (opioid agonist therapy); clonidine (autonomic symptoms); antiemetics; antidiarrhoeal; comfort measures.

Source: NCLEX-PN PS — Substance Use, Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

Practice more questions

This question is from our NCLEX Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Substance Use and Dependencies and other topics.

Take the PN: Psychosocial Integrity practice test →

About this topic: Substance Use and Dependencies

Substance use questions cover signs of intoxication and withdrawal for alcohol, opioids, stimulants and sedatives, the priority of safety during withdrawal, and the therapeutic approach to dependency. This is one of 8 PN: Psychosocial Integrity questions on substance use and dependencies, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our NCLEX exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Substance Use and Dependencies

A client who uses heroin is admitted for detoxification. The nurse anticipates symptoms of opioid withdrawal will include which of the following?

 Substance Use and Dependencies

A client in the emergency department is suspected of acute alcohol intoxication. Which finding would MOST concern the nurse?

 Substance Use and Dependencies

A client going through alcohol withdrawal is assessed at 24 hours since last drink. The nurse notes confusion, tremors, tachycardia, and diaphoresis. What is the PRIORITY concern?

 Substance Use and Dependencies

A client is admitted for cocaine intoxication. Which assessment findings does the nurse MOST expect?

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Ohio Georgia

Recommended study materials

Study guide

Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN 9th Ed. (Elsevier)

The gold standard for NCLEX-RN prep: 5,200+ practice questions, content review, test-taking strategy.

Check Price → Study guide

NCLEX-PN Prep Plus (Kaplan)

Targeted NCLEX-PN content review with hundreds of practice questions and video explanations.

Check Price → Study guide

Prioritization, Delegation & Assignment (Elsevier)

The leading resource for NCLEX questions on prioritization, delegation, and management of care.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →