DSM IV Diagnosis
Using the DSM IV diagnostic tool, Elizabeth’s substance use would be diagnosed as Alcohol dependence (AD). She has more than the minimum three required criteria to meet the DSM IV diagnosis of alcohol dependence. A study by Pabst, Kraus, Piontek & Baumeister (2012) shows that to be classified as alcohol-dependent, a person has to meet at least three of the seven DSM IV criteria of AD in the previous 12 months. She has tolerance, as she has markedly increased amounts of alcohol intake up to 2 litres a day as she rarely feels intoxicated. There is manifestation of withdrawal symptoms characterised by feeling nauseous which is relieved by alcohol and tremors that are decreased by taking diazepam. Elizabeth has lost her …show more content…
This chart facilitates the monitoring of withdrawal symptoms then treatment according to the severity. The patient’s fluid status should be monitored to prevent the potential of fluid volume deficits (Kneisl et al., 2009). Medication management includes administration of magnesium sulfate to replace magnesium hence preventing seizures and also managing irritability. Benzodiazepines such as diazepam will be administered to prevent delirium tremens and thiamine will be administered. Mirrojello et al. (2015) state that blood alcohol concentration tests should be performed as a routine and these tests include complete blood count, renal function tests, electrolytes, glucose, liver enzymes, urinalysis and urine toxicology screening. The patient also requires frequent reassurance and reorientation by the nursing staff. Elizabeth’s management plan should include increased frequency of visual observations during the acute phase of the symptoms. Clinicians should allow facilitation of patient entry into treatment programmes to support her long-term alcohol abstinence (Cooper & Vernon, 2013). I would link Elizabeth with the drug and alcohol nurse and also arrange for counselling services as part of her management
Using the DSM IV diagnostic tool, Elizabeth’s substance use would be diagnosed as Alcohol dependence (AD). She has more than the minimum three required criteria to meet the DSM IV diagnosis of alcohol dependence. A study by Pabst, Kraus, Piontek & Baumeister (2012) shows that to be classified as alcohol-dependent, a person has to meet at least three of the seven DSM IV criteria of AD in the previous 12 months. She has tolerance, as she has markedly increased amounts of alcohol intake up to 2 litres a day as she rarely feels intoxicated. There is manifestation of withdrawal symptoms characterised by feeling nauseous which is relieved by alcohol and tremors that are decreased by taking diazepam. Elizabeth has lost her …show more content…
This chart facilitates the monitoring of withdrawal symptoms then treatment according to the severity. The patient’s fluid status should be monitored to prevent the potential of fluid volume deficits (Kneisl et al., 2009). Medication management includes administration of magnesium sulfate to replace magnesium hence preventing seizures and also managing irritability. Benzodiazepines such as diazepam will be administered to prevent delirium tremens and thiamine will be administered. Mirrojello et al. (2015) state that blood alcohol concentration tests should be performed as a routine and these tests include complete blood count, renal function tests, electrolytes, glucose, liver enzymes, urinalysis and urine toxicology screening. The patient also requires frequent reassurance and reorientation by the nursing staff. Elizabeth’s management plan should include increased frequency of visual observations during the acute phase of the symptoms. Clinicians should allow facilitation of patient entry into treatment programmes to support her long-term alcohol abstinence (Cooper & Vernon, 2013). I would link Elizabeth with the drug and alcohol nurse and also arrange for counselling services as part of her management