Alcohol withdrawal in critical care.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be fatal if not recognized and treated immediately. An estimated 10% to 50% of hospitalized patients abuse alcohol, and they may develop withdrawal syndrome during hospitalization. However, nurses can successfully treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome, even in critically ill patients, with benzodiazepines, the treatment of choice.
Powell
A H
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Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, St. Joseph's Hospital, Atlanta, Ga., USA.
D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing*
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D000431:Ethanol; D008140:Lorazepam