Ch 12 Substance Use Disorders

Question 1

What are manifestations of withdrawal?

Answer 1

Nausea, vomiting, tremors,restlessness, inability to sleep, depressed mood, or irritability, increased HR, BP, respiratory rate, temperature and tonic clinic seizures……illusions are also common.

Question 2

How soon may alcohol delirium occur after cessation of alcohol?

Answer 2

Alcohol withdrawal delirium may occur 2-3 days after cessation of alcohol, may last 2-3 days and is considered a medical emergency…

Findings include severe disorientation, psychotic manifestations ( hallucinations), severe hypertension, and cardiac dysrhythmias that may progress to death.

Question 3

Give examples of benzodiazepines that are used for detoxification of alcohol.

Answer 3

chlordiazeapoxide (Librium), diazepam ( Valium), lorazepam ( Ativan)

Intended effects are:
Maintenance of vital signs within normal limits
Decrease in the risk of seizures
Decrease in the intensity of withdrawal manifestations.

Question 4

When should chlordiazeapoxide be administered?

Answer 4

Chlordiazeapoxide should only b administered if the is able to tolerate oral intake. Otherwise,use IV route for diazepam and lorazepam. The client may continue with lorazepam and diazepam orally.

Question 5

What is the intended effect of carbamazepine relating to alcohol detoxification?

Answer 5

It decreases seizures

Question 6

What is the intended effect of clonidine and propranolol related to alcohol withdrawal?

Answer 6

These meds depress the autonomic response( decrease in BP, HR)

Question 7

What is the intended effect of propranolol related to alcohol detoxification?

Answer 7

It decreases the cravings!

Question 8

Effects of withdrawal usually start when?

Answer 8

They usually start within 4-12 hours of the last intake of alcohol, peak after 24-48 hours and subside within 5-7 days, unless alcohol withdrawal occurs.