The nurse is assessing patients for impending alcohol withdrawal. The nurse assesses the patient with which of the following conditions as a priority?

A. Older women are statistically more likely to live in poverty compared to older men. This is often due to a combination of factors including lower lifetime earnings, career interruptions for caregiving, and less access to pension benefits.
B. Older women are indeed more likely to suffer from multiple chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis. Chronic conditions are common in this age group and can significantly impact quality of life. Community programming should include education and resources related to managing chronic diseases, as well as access to preventive care and support services.
C. Older women are more likely to live alone compared to older men. This may be due to longer life expectancy and higher rates of widowhood among women. Programs should address the needs of those living alone, such as social support, community engagement opportunities, and services that mitigate isolation, like social activities or check-in services.
D. Many older women are caregivers for their spouses or other family members. This caregiving role can be physically and emotionally demanding. Community programs should offer support for caregivers, including respite care, counseling services, and caregiver education to help manage stress and prevent burnout.
E. While this can occur, older women are less likely to live with extended families compared to living alone. Living arrangements vary widely, and while some older women may live with extended families, it is not as prevalent as living alone. Community programming should be adaptable to different living situations but may focus more on the needs of those living alone or as caregivers.

A. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically begin within 6 to 24 hours after the last drink, with peak symptoms usually occurring between 48 and 72 hours. Delirium tremens (DTs), a severe form of withdrawal, usually develops within this timeframe if not managed properly.
B. This choice is partially correct but less specific. Oxazepam (Serax) is a benzodiazepine that can be prescribed to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, especially in patients with liver impairment, as it is metabolized differently from other benzodiazepines. However, it is not the only medication used; lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium) are also commonly used to manage withdrawal symptoms.

C. This choice is less likely to be correct. Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal characterized by confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and autonomic instability. DTs typically develop between 48 and 72 hours after the last drink, not within 4 hours. Symptoms that occur within 4 hours of hospitalization are more likely to be early withdrawal symptoms rather than DTs.
D. This choice is not a standard treatment for alcohol withdrawal. While some facilities might use a tapering protocol to gradually reduce alcohol intake, in most cases, the goal is to manage withdrawal symptoms using medications rather than providing alcohol. The use of medication such as benzodiazepines is preferred to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Giving alcohol is not a standard or recommended approach for managing withdrawal in acute care settings.