Health promotion Flashcards
Recommended units of alcohol per week
14 units per week spread across at least 3 days
1 unit of alcohol
= 10ml of ethanol (pure alcohol) - amount average adult can process per hour
Gin, rum, vodka, whisky, sambuca and tequila shot units
1.4 units
Wine glass
2.1 - 3 units
Tips for decreasing alcohol intake
Set a limit or budget Cut down with a friend Alternate with water Use a small glass or put less in Lower strength Days without
Consequences of alcohol abuse
Alcohol fatty liver disease leading to cirrhotic liver failure
Associated with depression, self-harm and suicide
Disrupts sleep pattern
Affects judgement and actions - irrational and aggressive
Accidents resulting in inury
Unprotected sex and risky behaviours
Cardiomegaly
Can cause:
- stroke - brain damage
- Heart disease
- Mouth, throat and breast cancer
Binge drinking
8 units in 1 session for men and 6 for women
Risk of drinking whilst pregnant
Fetal alcohol syndrome - physical, mental and developmental disorders
How does alcohol affect people that are old and people taking medication
People on a certain medication and elderly have decreased liver function so alcohol will have greater effects as metabolised slower
Alcohol may interact with medication e.g.
- NSAIDs
- Opiods
Mx of alcohol abuse
- refer to an alcohol addiction clinic
- alcohol detoxification programme
- CBT
- Social network and environment-based therapies
- Behavioural couple therapies
Pharmacological:
- Disulfiram - inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase causing a build-up of acetyl aldehyde which causes hangover symptoms
Risks of IVDU
DVT Sepsis Immunocompromised HIV TB
Management of drug abuse
- Vaccinations against hepatitis B and tetanus
- Overdose prevention training and take-home naloxone
- Contraception - refer to a sexual health service
- Refer to drug addiction clinic
- whether maintenance therapy or detoxification is most appropriate
- opioid substitution therapy
Presentation of alcohol misuse
Smell of alcohol Dilated facial capillaries - flushed Bloodshot eyes Hand tremor Raised GGT
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Seizures Delirium tremens Sweating Tremor Tachycardia Palpitations
Wernicke’s encephalopathy presentation
Confusion Ataxia Eye paraylsis - opthalmoplegia Memory disturbance Hypothermia Hypotension Coma
Treatment of Wernicke’s encephalopathy
Parenteral thiamine