Keywords

alcohol use disorder, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, blood alcohol level, CAGE questionnaire, central nervous system, CIWA-Ar, delirium tremens, hallucinations, Withdrawal Trend Profile

Authors

1. Elliott, Dolores Y. MSN, RN, APRN/PMH, PMHCNS-BC

Abstract

Abstract: Alcohol use disorder can be challenging to recognize and can lead to alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), a potentially life-threatening disorder. As frontline clinicians, nurses are uniquely positioned to recognize, prevent, and help treat patients with AWS. This article covers how to assess for patients at risk for AWS with screening tools and how to individualize patient treatment.