(HS Talbert 078598 2023) Management of the Patient in Alcohol Withdrawal

Course overview

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition defined by an impaired ability to stop or control the use of alcohol despite adverse consequences. It has been referred to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, and alcoholism. AUD is considered a brain disorder and may be mild, moderate, or severe. Over 14 million American ages 18 and older have been diagnosed with AUD. Strikingly, over 100,00 Americans die of alcohol-related disease or injury every year. Almost half of the patients with AUD who abruptly stop or even reduce alcohol use will develop signs or symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, due to the sudden reversal of depressive effects on the brain. Whether patients are admitted to the hospital specifically for alcohol withdrawal, or for other reasons, it is important for nurses to be able to recognize, prevent and help treat alcohol withdrawal. This session will review AUD, the identification of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, clinical assessment tools, prevention and identification of complications, and how to individualize patient treatment.