Symptom-Triggered Approach to Alcohol Withdrawal with Utilization of Phenobarbital

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

The treatment of alcohol withdrawal in the critical care setting is challenging and the Clinical Institute Withdrawal for Alcohol (CIWA) protocol is difficult to utilize with patients in extreme withdrawal. A new tool called the Alcohol Withdrawal Clinical Assessment (AWCA) is discussed along with step-by-step implementation, the creation of a decision tree, bedside resources and how to change from CIWA to AWCA for better patient outcomes. Attendees leave knowing how to utilize these tools and implement change in their own units.

Objectives

Review literature on and scales used to treat alcohol withdrawal.
Identify key differences between the CIWA protocol and the AWCA.
Define challenges with implementing a new tool to treat alcohol withdrawal.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must attend/view/read the entire activity and complete the associated evaluation to be awarded the contact hours or CERP. No partial credit will be awarded.

Disclosure

This activity has been reviewed by the Nurse Planner. It has been determined that the material presented here shows no bias. No conflicts of interest have been identified for any individual with the ability to influence the content of this activity. Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN or ANCC approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC's) Commission on Accreditation, ANCC Provider Number 0012. AACN has been approved as a provider of continuing education in nursing by the California State Board of Nursing (CBRN), California Provider number CEP 1036. This activity is approved for 0.00 contact hours.

AACN programming meets the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education contact hours for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting CE to fulfill continuing education requirements.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.