Document Detail


How is alcohol withdrawal syndrome best managed in the emergency department?
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20382370     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Alcohol abuse is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and subsequently presents a substantial burden on the NHS. Whether presentations are directly or indirectly linked, the emergency department (ED) holds a predominant role in dealing with this matter. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a common complication of alcohol misuse. Given its pathophysiology and manifestation of symptoms, early recognition and treatment is paramount in preventing a medical emergency. From a review of the associated literature, a standardised protocol for its management in ED is consequently advocated. This includes: Identification of those at risk via routine screening; Monitoring progression and severity using an alcohol withdrawal scale; Implementation of symptom-triggered therapy on the basis of objective evidence collected. Nonetheless, further studies are required to aid the choice of tools and ascertain the efficacy of such protocols within the ED department. Due to time constraints of this real-world setting, feasibility may be considered as important as reliability and validity if new practices are to be considered.
Authors:
Louise Jane
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Review     Date:  2009-10-30
Journal Detail:
Title:  International emergency nursing     Volume:  18     ISSN:  1878-013X     ISO Abbreviation:  Int Emerg Nurs     Publication Date:  2010 Apr 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-04-12     Completed Date:  2010-07-06     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101472191     Medline TA:  Int Emerg Nurs     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  89-98     Citation Subset:  N    
Copyright Information:
Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
Emergency Department, Royal Cornwall Hospital, 49 Manor Close, St. Austell, Cornwall Pl25 4HH, United Kingdom. louisemjane@hotmail.com
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Alcoholism / complications*
Benchmarking
Clinical Protocols
Diagnosis, Differential
Early Diagnosis
Emergency Nursing / methods
Emergency Service, Hospital
Emergency Treatment* / methods,  nursing
Humans
Nursing Assessment / methods
Questionnaires
Risk Assessment / methods*
Severity of Illness Index
Substance Abuse Detection
Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / diagnosis*,  etiology,  therapy*

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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