Alcoholism/Overdose vs. Withdrawal Flashcards
What is the number one psych problem that abusers use?
Denial
-Confront abusers
-Support griefers
What is alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS)?
Withdrawing from alcohol
Starts 24 hrs AFTER they stop drinking
*For ALL alcoholics**
NOT life-threatening
NOT a danger to self/others
What is alcohol withdrawal syndrome pt. diet, room selection, bedrest, and restraint?
Diet: regular
Room selection: Anywhere
Bedrest: Up adlib
Restrains: None needed
What is alcohol delirium tremens?
A alcohol withdrawal that starts 72 hours after pt stops drinking, This is a small minority of alcoholics
Life Threatening!!! Danger to Self/Others**
What is delirium tremens pt. diet, room selections, bedrest, and restraint status?
Diet: NPO *due to seizure & aspiration risk
Room Selection: Private room near nurses station
Bedrest: Restricted to bedrest
Restraints: Yes, vest or 2-point locked restraints
Give anti-hypertensive, Vit B, & Tranquilizer
What nursing cares should be given to Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome and Delirium Tremens?
Antihypertensive
–>alcohol=downer withdrawal=too little so Everything goes UP HTN
Vitamin B1
–>Alcoholics deficient in vit. B1, giving B1 prevents Wernickes-Korsakoffs
Tranquilizer to calm the pt. down (especially in Delirium Tremens)
Who can get Wernickes (Korsakoffs)?
What is Wernickes (Korsakoffs) Syndrome?
Alcoholics can get this due to deficiency in Vit. B1 (Thiamine)
*This causes Damage to the brain/Encephalopathy. It is preventable by taking vit B1, Arrestable by taking B1 prevent further damage, and Irreversible (will kill brain cells)
What are s/s of Wernickes (Korsakoffs) Syndrome?
**S/S: Amnesia, Psychosis, Confabulation (making up stories that are their reality)
What are these Meds used for?
Antabuse, Revia, Disulfiram
-When Does the onset of these meds occur?
Alcohol Deterrent drugs to prevent alcohol abuse
* Aversion Therapy –> Cause sickness when drinking
**Onset 2 WEEKS, after taking must stop taking for 2 weeks before drinking to not get sick, N/V, or death
What to education Pt who take Antabuse, Revia, Disulfiram?
Onset 2 WEEKS, after taking must stop taking for 2 weeks before drinking to not get sick, N/V, or death
**AVOID ALL forms of EtOH ( Alcohol)
–> Mouth wash, aftershave, cologne, insect repellent, vanilla extract, hand sanitizer, Elixir OTC meds
**Can have Red Wine Vinaigrette, This does not contain alcohol (Do not pick this)
What are the two questions to ask yourself when answering OD/Withdrawal questions?
- Is it an upper or a downer?
- Is it overdose or withdrawal?
What are upper drugs? (5)
- Caffeine
- Cocaine
- PCP/LSD
- Methamphetamine
- Adderall
What are downer drugs?
- Heroin
- Opioids
*Everything downer if it is not a upper
What are the side effects of Upper drugs?
Everything goes UP
-Tachycardia
-Agitation
-Borborygmi
-Reflex up (hyperreflexia) +3&4
-Seizures–> have suction at bedside
What are side effects of Downers?
Everything goes DOWN
-Bradycardia
-Respiratory Depressions–> KEEP AMBU bag at bedside
