title: Alcohol withdrawal during hospitalization.
abstract: For a chronic drinker, sudden alcohol withdrawal because of an unexpected hospitalization can lead to escalating withdrawal symptoms and even death if unrecognized and untreated. Nurses need to be aware of the prevalence of alcohol abuse in the United States and consider the possibility of unplanned alcohol withdrawal in their patients. This article discusses the effects on the body of chronic alcohol intake, the potential symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and ways to recognize and treat these symptoms through early assessment and consistent intervention.
authors.affiliation: PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview, Washington, USA.
authors.forename: Vicky A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Keys
mesh_terms: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002707:Chlordiazepoxide; D003975:Diazepam; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008140:Lorazepam; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D010351:Patient Discharge; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D000431:Ethanol; D002707:Chlordiazepoxide; D008140:Lorazepam; D003975:Diazepam