Delirium/Alcohol Withdrawal Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Delirium/Alcohol Withdrawal Deck (9)
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0
Q

Two threatening and potentially reversible causes of delirium?

A

Hypoxia and hypoglycemia

1
Q

Delirium typically becomes most severe at what time of day?

A

Evening and at night

Patient most lucid on morning rounds

2
Q

50% of elderly patients have delirium after this surgery?

A

Hip surgery following hip fracture

3
Q

Treatment for agitation with psychotic symptoms (hallucinations and delusions)?

A

Low-dose haloperidol or risperidone

4
Q

Do not give this drug with Delirium?

A

Benzodiazepines – they worsen confusion

5
Q

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms? (And times)

A

Tremulousness (within six hours) – shakes, anxiety, easy startling, anxiety, diaphoresis, palpitations

seizures (6 to 48 hours) – tonic-clonic seizures occurring in clusters of 2 to 6 episodes

Alcoholic hallucinosis (12 to 48 hours) – mostly visual. Can be maligning voices.

Delirium tremens (48 to 72 hours) – hallucinations, agitation, and sympathetic hyperactivity (dilated pupils, fever, tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, hyperventilation)

6
Q

Drug of choice for alcohol withdrawal?

A

Benzodiazepines

7
Q

Treatment plan for alcohol withdrawal?

A
  1. Either diazepam or lorazepam to make patient heavily sedated but responses
  2. Rapid downward titration as agitation decreases, usually over 48 to 72 hours
  3. Hydration, replacement of electrolytes, thiamine, B12
8
Q

Why is delirium tremens a medical emergency?

A

Associated with a 5 to 15% mortality

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