Alcohol Withdrawal vs Delirium Tremens

Question 1

Who goes through alcohol withdrawal

Answer 1

Every alcohol 24 hrs after they stop drinking

Question 2

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome always precedes delirium tremens but

Answer 2

Delirium tremens does not always follow alcohol withdrawal syndrome

Question 3

When does delerium tremens begin

Answer 3

72 hrs after alcoholics stop drinking

Question 4

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is not life threatening but

Answer 4

Delirium tremens can kill you

Question 5

Are patients with alcohol withdrawal a danger to themselves or others?

Answer 5

No

Question 6

Are patients with delirium tremens a danger to self or others

Answer 6

YES

Question 7

Alcohol withdrawal patient accomodations

Answer 7

-Regular diet
-Semiprivate room, anywhere
-Up ad lib
-No restraints

Question 8

Delirium tremens patient accomodations

Answer 8

-Clear liquid diet/NPO (aspiration risk)
-Private room, near nurse’s station
-Bedrest
-2 point restraints

Question 9

Meds for both Alcohol Withdrawal AND Delirium Tremens

Answer 9

-antihypertensive
-tranquilizer
-miltivitamin containing B1 (preventing Wernicke’s)