After 72 hours of hospitalization, B.K. becomes agitated with tremors, some disorientation, and auditoryhallucinations
Her pulse and blood pressure are elevated, although her pain has not increased, and the
pain medication schedule has not changed. B.K. has had no visitors since being admitted.
What is B.K. most likely experiencing, and what actions will you take?
• With alcohol withdrawal syndrome, onset of delirium tremens (DTs) and other symptoms
commonly occurs 72 hours after the last alcoholic intake.
• Call the physician for medication orders, anticipating diazepam (Valium) or chlordiazepoxide
(Librium) to sedate the central nervous system (CNS) and avoid seizures.
• Monitor her closely for seizures, and institute measures to keep her safe during this time.
• Obtain a social services consultation. B.K. needs urgent inpatient intervention, given her denial
and likely outpatient treatment needs once discharged.
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