Question

A nurse on an inpatient psychiatric unit is caring for a client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal.

Exhibit 1
Exhibit 2
Exhibit 3
Exhibit 4
Exhibit 5
Nurses' Notes
1230:
Client slept with minimal disruption for 8 hr.Client is no longer perspiring, and tremors have decreased.Upon awakening, client is withdrawn and quiet. After questioning, the client does recall drinking "a lot of liquor and trying other types of alcoholic beverages." Client is still unable to recall the trip to the facility.​
0200:Client is difficult to arouse, is unable to report on recent events, and is unaware of arrival to ED.Evidence of emesis on clothing. Client reports nausea and has vomited two times since arrival. Odor of alcohol on breath and clothing.Client connected to cardiopulmonary monitoring. Alarms set.
0210:Provider updated and prescriptions received.
0330:Client has had no further emesis.Client woke up and is becoming very agitated, irritable, and anxious.Client requests water to drink.Client is still unable to remember recent events or how they arrived at the ED, resulting in fearful behavior.Hand tremors noted.
0400:Client has become increasingly agitated and reports visual hallucinations, stating there are "bad people hiding in the room."
Tremors have increased, and client is perspiring profusely.
Client refuses to sit down and is trying to seek out the "people hiding in the room."Client admits that the previous evening, they "planned to empty out the medicine cabinet and take all the pills in there, but I guess I passed out first."Client states, "My life is such a mess; I can't even die right. I really don't have any reason to live."
Nurse remains with client.
Provider notified and prescriptions received.

Answer 1

Alcohol withdrawal is a serious condition that requires medical supervision. Symptoms include tremors, agitation, hallucinations, and confusion. Treatment includes medication and support.

Step-by-step explanation:

Alcohol withdrawal is a serious condition that can be life-threatening for individuals with a long history of heavy alcohol use. Withdrawal symptoms include tremors, agitation, hallucinations, and confusion. It is important for individuals experiencing alcohol withdrawal to seek medical supervision to ensure their safety and receive appropriate treatment.

Some evidence of alcohol withdrawal can be seen in the provided exhibit, such as sweating, tremors, emesis, agitation, and hallucinations. These symptoms can be managed through medication and support to help the individual safely detoxify from alcohol.