Psychiatrics
A). What is CIWA, please make sure to include the assessment and the possible total score.B). What i s Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?C). Describe delirium tremens.D). Describe some of the withdrawal symptoms from alcohol.E). Name some of the medications that can be used for alcohol withdrawal. F). Review the following medications Ativan, Librium, Phenobarbital, Campral, Naltrexone and Antabuse. Complete the following for each medication.
-Indication
-Classification
-Common Side effects
-Education/Nursing Consideration.G).Describe the difference between a Rehab and Detox program.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, it is important to equip students with comprehensive knowledge on different medical conditions and treatments. This assignment seeks to explore various aspects of psychiatrics, including assessments, syndromes, withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, and medications used for alcohol withdrawal, among other areas.
A) CIWA
CIWA stands for the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment and is a tool used to assess and monitor individuals undergoing alcohol withdrawal. It comprises a score sheet that evaluates ten common withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, anxiety, nausea, and tactile, auditory, and visual disturbances. Each symptom scores between zero and seven, with a possible total score ranging between zero and 67. A CIWA score of 10-20 indicates mild to moderate withdrawal, while a score of 20 or higher indicates severe withdrawal.
B) Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a neurological disorder that occurs as a result of severe vitamin B1 deficiency due to chronic alcohol use. It is characterized by confusion, memory loss, and visual disturbances. Patients with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome often present with abnormal eye movements, loss of muscle coordination, and gait abnormalities.
C) Delirium tremens
Delirium tremens are severe symptoms experienced by individuals undergoing alcohol withdrawal, including confusion, disorientation, severe agitation, hallucinations, seizures, and delusions. Delirium tremens usually occur within 48 to 72 hours after the last alcohol intake and can be life-threatening in severe cases.
D) Alcohol Withdrawal symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms from alcohol include tremors, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, sweating, insomnia, agitation, and hallucinations. Patients may also experience seizures and delirium tremens in severe cases.
E) Medications for Alcohol Withdrawal
Several medications are used in the management of alcohol withdrawal, including benzodiazepines such as Ativan and Librium, which help control anxiety and agitation. Phenobarbital is an anticonvulsant medication used to prevent seizures, while Campral and Naltrexone are used to prevent relapse. Antabuse is used in the treatment of alcoholism by inducing unpleasant reactions such as headache and nausea when alcohol is consumed.
F) Medications Review
– Ativan (Lorazepam): Indication – Treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and sedation; Classification – Benzodiazepine; Common Side effects – Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, and blurred vision; Education/Nursing Consideration – not recommended for patients with a history of addiction.
-Librium (Chlordiazepoxide): Indication – Treatment of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal; Classification – Benzodiazepine; Common Side effects – Dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth; Education/Nursing Consideration – need to be administered cautiously to patients with a history of addiction.
– Phenobarbital: Indication – Treatment of seizures and anxiety; Classification – Barbiturate; Common Side effects – Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion; Education/Nursing Consideration – need to be administered cautiously to patients with a history of addiction.
-Campral (Acamprosate): Indication – Prevention of relapse in patients with alcohol dependence; Classification – GABA analog; Common Side effects – Diarrhea and nausea; Education/Nursing Consideration – should not be used in patients with severe renal impairment.
– Naltrexone: Indication – Management of alcohol and opioid dependence; Classification – Opioid antagonist; Common Side effects – Nausea and headache; Education/Nursing Consideration – not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment.
-Antabuse (Disulfiram): Indication – Treatment of alcoholism; Classification – Alcohol deterrent; Common Side effects – Metallic taste, headache, and nausea; Education/Nursing Consideration – need to be administered under close medical supervision due to the risk of severe adverse reactions.
G) Rehab vs Detox Program
A Rehab program is a treatment option that helps individuals overcome addiction by providing comprehensive care, including therapies to address psychological, social, and emotional issues. On the other hand, a detox program is a short-term option that focuses on treating the physical symptoms of withdrawal. Detox is usually the first step in addiction treatment before individuals can undergo rehabilitation to address underlying psychological issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, psychiatrics is a broad field that requires a comprehensive understanding of different conditions and treatments. This assignment has explored some of the critical areas, including assessments, syndromes, withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, and medications used for alcohol withdrawal. It has also highlighted the differences between a Rehab and Detox program, which are both vital in addiction treatment.
