Show:
Alcohol Withdrawal
Wernicke-Korsakoff
Wernicke-Korsakoff
Alcohol Intoxication
Alcoholism Assessment Tools
100

What is another word for alcohol withdrawal delirium?

Delirium Tremens (DTs)

100

Excessive drinking can lead to which vitamin deficiency

Thiamine (B1)

100

What are the symptoms of Wernicke’s? (3)

Acute confusional state, ophthalmoplegia, ataxia

100

Should antipsychotics be given during alcohol intoxication? Why or why not?

No, antipsychotics lower the seizure threshold

100

What are the two alcoholism assessment tools?

  • CIWA-Ar
  • CAGE questionnaire
200

What are early withdrawal signs?

Shaking, vomiting, increased pulse, increased BP, increased T, sweating

200

Why does this vitamin deficiency occur? (3)

  • Liver damage → inability to properly store vitamins
  • Malnutrition → drinking instead of eating nutritious foods
  • Alcohol impairs absorption 
200

What are the symptoms of Korsakoff’s? (3)

Amnesia, confabulation, psychosis

200

What is given during alcohol intoxication?

  • Thiamine (vitamin B1): prevents Wernicke’s
  • Benzodiazepines (lorazepam): preferred in liver/kidney issues due to shorter half-life, helps prevent seizures
  • Folic acid (folate): for malnutrition
  • Multivitamin (MVI): "banana bag", for malnutrition
  • D5NS infusion 
200

When should they be used?

  • CIWA-Ar: A standardized scale for alcohol withdrawal, used upon admission, even if the patient is still intoxicated, guides benzodiazepine administration
  • CAGE questionnaire: Used for alcohol use screening, should be administered when the patient is alert and able to respond.
300

What are the hallmarks (3)?

Confusion, hallucinations seizure

300

Why does Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome happen?

Prolonged, untreated thiamine deficiency

300

What medical condition are Korsakoff’s symptoms similar to?

Dementia


300

What route will the medications be given? Why? For how long?

Given IV not PO to prevent vomiting

After 3 days, medications will be switched to PO


400

Which appears first, Wernicke’s or Korsakoff’s?

Wernicke’s