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Instructors can request access to the Casebook Instructor's Guide on AccessPharmacy. Email User Services (userservices@mheducation.com) for more information.
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After completing this case study, the reader should be able to:
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Describe the signs and symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Explain the common laboratory abnormalities seen in alcohol-dependent patients.
Develop a treatment plan for acute alcohol withdrawal and alcohol-related seizures.
Recommend an appropriate pharmacotherapeutic regimen for electrolyte replacement in an alcohol-dependent patient.
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“My husband has been acting strange, sweating, and shaking all day. I think he had a seizure an hour ago.”
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Brian Johnson is a 54-year-old man who is brought to the ED by his wife. She states that her husband has abused alcohol since she met him while in college. She states that his typical daily consumption for the past 25 years has averaged about 14–18 alcoholic beverages. She reports that he has not been able to afford to drink recently due to a recent layoff from his job. In an effort to save money, he has decided to quit drinking “cold turkey.” He has not had any alcohol to drink in the previous 48 hours.
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The patient is an unemployed construction worker. He has not worked for the past 6 months. He has been married for 22 years. He has been a heavy drinker for past 25 years. Drinks an average of 16 drinks (usually beer- or whiskey-containing drinks) per day.
(+) Tobacco history—quit 5 years ago.
Denies any illicit drug use.
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The patient exhibits overall confusion and is not responsive to questions. Wife states his mental status was normal until this afternoon when his confusion, sweating, and shakiness started.
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Tall, thin, undernourished-appearing male, in mild distress who is acutely confused and tremulous
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BP 162/85 mm Hg, P 107 bpm, RR 20, T 38.3°C; Wt 76 kg, Ht 6′6″
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Head—atraumatic, icteric sclera, PERRLA, EOMI, mild AV nicking on funduscopic exam
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Supple, no thyromegaly or lymphadenopathy
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