Question

The nurse is caring for a client with detoxification from alcohol. Which medication is used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal? A. Antabuse (disulfiram) B. Romazicon (flumazenil) C. Dolophine (methodone) D. Ativan (lorazepam)

Short answer

A. Antabuse (disulfiram) B. Romazicon (flumazenil) C. Dolophine (methadone) D. Ativan (lorazepam) Answer: D. Ativan (lorazepam)

Step-by-step solution

Analyze Option A - Antabuse (disulfiram)

Antabuse (disulfiram) is a medication used to treat alcohol use disorder by producing an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed. This helps deter further drinking. However, it's not specifically used for alcohol withdrawal management.

Analyze Option B - Romazicon (flumazenil)

Romazicon (flumazenil) is a medication used to reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. It's primarily used in cases of benzodiazepine overdose. While benzodiazepines are often used to treat alcohol withdrawal, flumazenil is not directly aimed at managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Analyze Option C - Dolophine (methadone)

Dolophine (methadone) is a long-acting opioid used to treat opioid use disorder and chronic pain. It helps people with opioid addiction manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings by providing a safer alternative to other opioids. Methadone is not used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal.

Analyze Option D - Ativan (lorazepam)

Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine that is used primarily as a sedative, anxiety-relieving, and anticonvulsant agent. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam, are commonly used in managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms because they help to control anxiety, agitation, and the risk of seizures that can occur during withdrawal.

Identify the correct option

Based on the analysis of each option, the correct medication used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal is Ativan (lorazepam), as it is a benzodiazepine that helps manage the withdrawal symptoms. So, the correct answer is: D. Ativan (lorazepam)

Key concepts

Detoxification from Alcohol

Detoxification from alcohol, commonly referred to as 'alcohol detox', is a critical step in overcoming alcohol use disorder. It involves a period during which an individual abstains from alcohol consumption and their body eliminates the toxic influence of alcohol. This process often causes withdrawal symptoms that can range from mild to severe.

During detoxification, the body undergoes a series of adjustments as it learns to function without alcohol. Symptoms may include tremors, anxiety, nausea, sweating, insomnia, and in severe cases, delirium tremens (DTs), which can be life-threatening and involve confusion, rapid heartbeat, and fever. These symptoms often peak within 24 to 48 hours and may persist for weeks.

Because of the health risks associated with alcohol withdrawal, detoxification should always be carried out under medical supervision. Professionals can provide the necessary care and, when appropriate, medications to safely manage withdrawal symptoms. This medically managed withdrawal helps to reduce the discomfort of detox and decreases the risk of severe complications like seizures.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD ranges from mild to severe and is diagnosed based on the individual meeting certain criteria outlined by healthcare professionals.

Some features of AUD include spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of alcohol, failing to fulfill major roles at work, school, or home due to drinking, and continuing to drink despite the fact that it is causing trouble with family and friends.

Treatment for AUD often involves a comprehensive approach, including behavioral therapies, counseling, and, in some cases, medication to help reduce the desire to drink or manage withdrawal symptoms. Support groups and recovery programs can also play a vital role in helping individuals with AUD to maintain abstinence and address the underlying issues associated with their drinking behavior.

Benzodiazepines for Withdrawal

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications commonly utilized to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms due to their sedative, anticonvulsant, and muscle-relaxing properties. Medications like Ativan (lorazepam) are known for their effectiveness in reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms and preventing complications like seizures.

Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, producing a calming effect. This action is particularly beneficial during alcohol detox because it counteracts the hyperexcitability caused by the absence of alcohol.

Treatment with benzodiazepines is typically short-term and carefully managed due to their potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms similar to those seen in alcohol withdrawal. The dosing schedule may follow a fixed regimen or be based on symptom-triggered protocols, where medication is administered according to the severity of symptoms. It is essential for healthcare providers to monitor patients closely and adjust treatment as necessary to ensure the safest and most effective detoxification process.