Alcohol Withdrawal Nursing Care Plans Diagnosis and InterventionsAlcohol withdrawl NCLEX Review and Nursing Care Plans Show
Alcohol consumption is pervasive in society; often, it is seen as a standard beverage in celebrations, fiestas, or special occasions, but it is also evident in ceremonial and religious customs. For therapeutic intentions, it is integrated with many over-the-counter drugs and medications. Alcohol is considered a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, and consistent exposure makes one heavily reliant on such. As interesting as it may seem, one thing to note is its variability. Alcohol consumption relies heavily on moderation as indicated; however, uncontrolled and irresponsible drinking leads to severe complications and possibly death in a worst-case scenario. With that said, alcohol withdrawal is the sudden discontinuance of chronic alcohol consumption after years of dependence. When alcohol is put on rapid halt, the body elicits excitatory indications—whereas signs and symptoms suggesting alcohol withdrawal manifest as delirium tremens, seizures, and mood changes. Causes of Alcohol WithdrawalAlcohol withdrawal is thought to surface upon brain chemistry alteration in compensation of long-term alcohol consumption. And as the brain alters its chemical output, releasing larger quantities than usual, its dependence grows higher. Hence, the CNS becomes hyperactive or overstimulated when alcohol is abruptly withdrawn. Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol WithdrawalThe clinical manifestations usually arise within 8 hours after the last alcohol consumption and may persist for days, peaking within 24-72 hours. Signs and symptoms may depend on the stage of alcohol withdrawal, but the most common signs and symptoms are the following:
Related Factors to Alcohol WithdrawalAlcohol withdrawal usually occurs in individuals with unhealthy drinking habits or who experience alcohol abuse. The risk factors include the following:
Diagnosis of alcohol withdrawal focuses on observing the signs and symptoms, usually characterized in stages. The handling physician may typically perform a thorough background and medical history checks to ascertain past, habitual drinking attributed to alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), and the following tests may accompany this:
But overall, there is no specific diagnostic test for alcohol withdrawal, and it relies heavily on clinical manifestations such as Stage I symptoms (e.g., nausea, hallucination, seizures, etc.), Stage II characterized by the presence of delirium tremens, which is the most dangerous stage, and Stage III (e.g., post-acute withdrawal symptoms). Treatment of Alcohol WithdrawalMild AWS may be treated with home care and nutritional supplements. For severe cases of alcohol withdrawal characterized by DT, these may be necessary for treatment:
Nursing Diagnosis for Alcohol WithdrawalNursing Care Plan for Alcohol Withdrawl 1Nursing Diagnosis: Altered Perception (Sensory) related to chemical alteration, secondary to alcohol withdrawals as evidenced by the altered response to stimuli, altered behavior, unusual thinking, weakness, and visual/auditory delusions. Desired Outcomes:
Nursing Care Plan for Alcohol Withdrawl 2Nursing Diagnosis: Anxiety / Fear related to a perceived threat of harm or death, secondary to alcohol withdrawal as evidenced by helplessness, feelings of remorse, panic attacks, increased BP, and heart rate. Desired outcome: The patient will verbalize his/her fear and anxiety and effectively express control over his/her own life.
Nursing Care Plan for Alcohol Withdrawl 3Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Decreased Cardiac Output related to a compromised heart function secondary to alcohol withdrawal Desired Outcome: The patient’s vital signs will normalize with a marked decrease of dysrhythmias.
Nursing Care Plan for Alcohol Withdrawl 4Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to hypoxia, secondary to alcohol withdrawal. Desired Outcome: The patient will demonstrate normal breathing pattern, respiratory rate with the absence of clinical manifestations of hypoxia.
Nursing Care Plan for Alcohol Withdrawl 5Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Injury related impaired motor and sensory function, secondary to alcohol withdrawal Desired outcome: The patient will not be subject to harm or physical injury.
Nursing ReferencesAckley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2020). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Gulanick, M., & Myers, J. L. (2017). Nursing care plans: Diagnoses, interventions, & outcomes. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Ignatavicius, D. D., Workman, M. L., Rebar, C. R., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2018). Medical-surgical nursing: Concepts for interprofessional collaborative care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Silvestri, L. A. (2020). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Disclaimer:Please follow your facilities guidelines, policies, and procedures. The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is intended to be nursing education and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. What would the RN need to assess on a patient experiencing alcohol withdrawal?Assessment. autonomic hyperactivity (such as sweating or a pulse faster than 100 beats/minute). increased hand tremor.. insomnia.. nausea or vomiting.. transient visual, tactile, or auditory hallucinations or illusions.. psychomotor agitation.. anxiety.. grand mal seizures.. What is the most serious withdrawal symptoms associated with alcoholism?The most severe manifestations of withdrawal include delirium tremens, hallucinations, and seizures. These manifestations result from alcohol-induced imbalances in the brain chemistry that cause excessive neuronal activity if the alcohol is withheld.
What are expected findings in a client with alcohol use disorder What are withdrawal symptoms?Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. What are three common signs that a person may have a problem with alcohol?Symptoms. Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.. Wanting to cut down on how much you drink or making unsuccessful attempts to do so.. Spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol or recovering from alcohol use.. Feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol.. |