- Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis: Risk Of Acute Abstinence Syndrome
- Nursing Diagnosis Definition
- Defining Characteristics
- Related Factors
- Risk Populations
- Associated Problems
- Suggestions of Use
- Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnoses
- Usage Tips
- NOC Results
- NIC (Nursing Intervention Classification) Interventions
- Conclusion
- FAQ's
Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis: Risk Of Acute Abstinence Syndrome
Acute abstinence syndrome is an acute, life-threatening condition associated with abruptly stopping or significantly reducing intake of a drug that has been used for a prolonged period and on which the individual has become dependent. This nursing diagnosis is defined as a state in which individuals are susceptible to developing the characteristic signs and symptoms of withdrawal from a drug on which they have become dependent.
Nursing Diagnosis Definition
Risk for Acute Abstinence Syndrome: At risk for the characteristic signs and symptoms of withdrawal from a drug on which the person has become dependent.
Defining Characteristics
Subjective
- Description of cravings
- Verbalization of withdrawal symptoms
- Behavioral evidence of addiction
Objective
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Disturbed coordination
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Delirium tremens
- Significant level of dependency on a drug
- Abrupt stoppage or reduction of drug consumption
- Physical withdrawal symptoms experienced
- Psychological symptoms experienced during drug cessation
Risk Populations
Individuals who are dependent on a drug and abruptly stop or reduce the intake of that drug are at risk of developing acute abstinence syndrome. These populations include those who have been using drugs such as opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, and amphetamines (among others), for a prolonged period of time, usually more than four weeks.
Associated Problems
Acute abstinence syndrome can lead to complications such as severe depression, difficulties with concentration, memory impairment and problems with decision making. It can also lead to increased risk of suicide, death, or relapse due to psychological and physical cravings for the drug.
Suggestions of Use
For those at risk of developing acute abstinence syndrome, it is important to support them with evidence-based interventions. These include close monitoring of their physical symptoms, psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, medications to lessen withdrawal symptoms, and lifestyle modification.
Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnoses
- Ineffective Coping
Ineffective coping related to personality characteristics as evidence by lack of problem solving skills, increased stress and poor emotion management. - Impaired Decision Making
Impaired decision-making related to mental state as evidenced by difficulty making decisions and impulsiveness. - Risk for Suicide
Risk for suicide related to feelings of hopelessness as evidenced by self-destructive ideation and behavior. - Readiness for Enhanced Self-Health Management
Readiness for enhanced self-health management related to lifestyle changes as evidenced by verbalization of understanding of the risks involved with substance abusing and willingness for lifestyle change.
Usage Tips
It is important to assess the level of risk for acute abstinence syndrome and associated problems as early as possible. Additionally, frequent check-ins with the individual are beneficial in order to ensure any potential problems associated with cessation, such as relapse and formation of new dependencies, are managed appropriately.
NOC Results
- Self-Care - Demonstrates the ability to care for self during and post-withdrawal process.
- Coping - Implements effective coping strategies for managing emotional responses to withdrawal situations.
- Decision-Making - Demonstrates a satisfactory level of decision-making during and post-withdrawal process.
- Risk-Control - Practices strategies to control or eliminate risk factors during and post-withdrawal process.
NIC (Nursing Intervention Classification) Interventions
- Withdrawal Management - Provides direct interventions and support to individuals being withdrawn from a drug.
- Therapeutic Management - Develops and implements therapeutic management plans to assist individuals in managing withdrawal symptoms and processes.
- Environmental Modification - Modifies environment to promote healing and suppresses environmental cues associated with addiction.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy - Applies cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to facilitate healing and relapse prevention.
Conclusion
Risk for acute abstinence syndrome is a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening consequences. Therefore, it is important to assess the level of risk for this diagnosis and identify appropriate interventions to manage it. With proper management, individuals can successfully overcome acute abstinence syndrome and regain control of their health.
FAQ's
- What is acute abstinence syndrome?
- What are the defining characteristics of acute abstinence syndrome?
- Who is at risk of acute abstinence syndrome?
Acute abstinence syndrome is an acute, life-threatening condition associated with abruptly stopping or significantly reducing intake of a drug that has been used for a prolonged period and on which the individual has become dependent.
The defining characteristics of acute abstinence syndrome include subjective descriptions of cravings and verbalization of withdrawal symptoms, as well as objective agitation, anxiety, disturbed coordination, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and delirium tremens.
Individuals who are dependent on a drug and abruptly stop or reduce the intake of that drug are at risk of developing acute abstinence syndrome. These populations include those who have been using drugs such as opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, and amphetamines (among others), for a prolonged period of time, usually more than four weeks.
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