Alcohol Dependency Flashcards
What is a GP Partner?
A self-employed independent contractor with the NHS
What is a Salaried GP?
A GP employed by a practice, focuses on clinical care and isn’t involved in management
What is a GP Locum?
GP without a standard employment contract
What is a GP Retainer?
Part of a scheme for GPs considering leaving general practice or only able to work a small number of hours
What is a GP Returner?
A GP who is returning to clinical practice, providing financial and indemnity support as well as with a supported return to work route
What is a GP Specialist Trainee? (GPST)
A doctor who has successfully completed FT as well at 3 years of ST and 18 months in hospital specialities and 18 months in primary care
What is a GP with a special interest? (GPSI)
GP having further postgrad qualifications and experience. Other GPs can refer to them
Why is it not recommended to be a patient in the GP you work at?
Potential for ethical conflict (e.g. patient sick but employer wants them at work)
Potential for breach of confidentiality
Why shouldn’t alcoholics stop drinking straight away?
Withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as 2 hours after the last drink, persist for weeks, and range from mild anxiety and shakiness to severe complications e.g. seizures and delirium tremens (DTs)
What is the death rate from seizures and DTs?
1% to 5%
What characterises DTs?
Confusion, rapid heartbeat, fever
Which two vitamins are most likely to require supplementation during alcohol withdrawal?
Thiamine
Folic acid
What condition does thiamine decrease the risk of?
Wernicke-Korsafoff syndrome (WKS)
Why are alcoholics low on folic acid?
Alcohol affects the body’s ability to absorb folate and increases folate in urine
