In: Nursing
Document your findings related to the focused assessment alcohol withdrawal symptoms.Include his responses to your findings
Alcohol, a central nervous system depressant, is used socially in our society for many reasons, to enhance the flavor of food, to encourage relaxation and conviviality, for celebrations, and as a sacred ritual in some religious ceremonies. alcohol withdrawal refers to symptoms that may occur when a person who has been drinking too much alcohol every day suddenly stops drinking alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually occur within 8 hours after the last drink but can occur days later. symptoms usually peak by 24-72 hours, but may persist for weeks. common syptoms include anxiety or nervousness, depression, fatique, irritability, jumpiness or shakiness, mood swings, nightmares and not thinking clearly.
Alcohol use disorder can be challenging to recognize and can lead to alcohol withdrawal syndrome, a potentially life threatening disorder.
symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can vary widely in severity, in severe cases, the condition can be life -threatening. symptoms may occur from two hours to four days after stopping alcohol. they may include headaches, nausea, tremors, anxiety, hallucinations and seizures. in many cases, alcohol withdrawal requres medical treatment and hospital admission. medication may also be used to treat physical symptoms while counselling and support groups help with controlling drinking behaviour.
these usually include at least two of the following, tremors, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, headache, an incrased heart rate, sweating, irritability, confusion, insomnia, nightmares, high blood pressure. The symptoms may worsen over two to three days, and some milder symptoms may persist for weeks in some people. they may be more noticeable when wake up less alcohol in blood. The most severe type of withdrawal syndrome is known as dellirium tremens(DT). its signs and symptoms include; extreme confusion, extreme agitation, fever, seizures, tactile hallucinations, such as having a sense of itching, burning, or numbness that isn't actually occuring, auditory hallucinations, or hearing sounds that don't exist, visual hallucinations etc.... if have severe AWS symtoms, it's a medical emergency, call for help or go to the emergancy room. a high fever, hallucinations, and heart disturbances are all reasons to seek immediate help.
Treatment for AWS depends on how severe the symptoms are, some people can be treated at home, but others may need supervised care in a hospital setting to avoid potentially dangerous complications such as seizures, the first goal of treatment is to keep comfortable by managing symptoms. alcohol counseling is another important treatment goal, your doctor will want you to stop drinking as quickly and safely as possible.
Mild symptoms of AWS can often be treated at home. a relative or friend must stay with you to monitor your condition. their job is to make sure that if you develop any worsening of symptoms, they get to a hospital or call immediately. they should also help you to get to your counselling appointments and vist the doctor regularly for any routine blood test that may be ordered. you may also need tests for alcohol -related medical problems.
if symptoms are more severe, may need to stay in the hospital , this is so doctor can monitor condition and manage any complicatioins, may need to get fluids through veins to prevent dehydration and medication.
symptoms of AWS are often treated with sedatives called benzodiazepines. commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include; iorazepam, clonazepam, alprazolam, diazepam
In addition, vitamin supplyments may be given to replace essential vitamins that are depleted by alcohol use, Once withdrawal is complete, additional medications and supplements may be needed to address complications and nutritional deficiencies that occur as as a result of chronic.