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

Accreditation

The 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

Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN, ANCC, or CBRN approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity. Activities with pharmacology hours are to assist the APRN in fulfilling the pharmacotherapeutic education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Activities meet the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your own state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting your certificate of completion.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.