What is a potentially fatal complication of alcohol withdrawal?

What is a potentially fatal complication of alcohol withdrawal?

• A. Severe anxiety
• B. Delirium tremens
• C. Hallucinatory episodes
• D. Suicidal thoughts

Answer: (B)

The potentially fatal complication of alcohol withdrawal is delirium tremens. This condition is characterized by severe confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and autonomic instability, typically occurring 2 to 4 days after the last drink. It is a medical emergency that can lead to complications such as seizures, cardiovascular collapse, and even death if not treated promptly. Delirium tremens occurs due to the CNS's hyperactivity in response to the absence of alcohol, a depressant. The intense physiological and psychological symptoms necessitate urgent intervention, often requiring hospitalization and the administration of benzodiazepines to manage symptoms and stabilize the patient. In comparison, severe anxiety and hallucinatory episodes can occur during alcohol withdrawal but are not necessarily fatal. While suicidal thoughts can also emerge during withdrawal, they do not have the immediate life-threatening nature associated with delirium tremens. Thus, the severity and risk associated with delirium tremens make it the most critical complication to recognize and address in the context of alcohol withdrawal.

The potentially fatal complication of alcohol withdrawal is delirium tremens. This condition is characterized by severe confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and autonomic instability, typically occurring 2 to 4 days after the last drink. It is a medical emergency that can lead to complications such as seizures, cardiovascular collapse, and even death if not treated promptly.

Delirium tremens occurs due to the CNS's hyperactivity in response to the absence of alcohol, a depressant. The intense physiological and psychological symptoms necessitate urgent intervention, often requiring hospitalization and the administration of benzodiazepines to manage symptoms and stabilize the patient.

In comparison, severe anxiety and hallucinatory episodes can occur during alcohol withdrawal but are not necessarily fatal. While suicidal thoughts can also emerge during withdrawal, they do not have the immediate life-threatening nature associated with delirium tremens. Thus, the severity and risk associated with delirium tremens make it the most critical complication to recognize and address in the context of alcohol withdrawal.