Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in the ICU

Activity Summary

Caring for patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is challenging and associated with several complications, including hallucinations, seizures, delirium tremens, coma and death. This session provides attendees with an overview of the pathophysiology of alcohol use disorder and AWS, and an overview of the pharmacotherapeutics of lorazepam, phenobarbital and adjunctive medications used to manage AWS. Current clinical guidelines and recent research studies comparing lorazepam and phenobarbital are presented. Pharmacology content = 50%

Objectives

Describe the pathophysiology of alcohol use disorder and AWS.
Review the pharmacotherapeutics of lorazepam and phenobarbital in the treatment of AWS.
Analyze current guidelines, research and practice related to management of ICU patients with AWS.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Criteria for Awarding Contact Hours

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

The Nurse Planner has determined that no individuals with the ability to control content of this activity have relevant relationships with ineligible companies.

Activities with pharmacotherapeutic credit are to assist the APRN in fulfilling their education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.