Substance Use Disorder

Darrin Walker is a 50 year old male with history of alcohol abuse. He came to the hospital because he was delirious. He is currently in the hospital and is still delirious and aggressive.

Inpatient Hospital Room

1. Identify signs and symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy
2. Assess for substance use history using therapeutic and nonjudgmental communication strategies.
3. Implement nursing interventions to manage hepatic encephalopathy
4. Recognize the impact of alcohol use disorder on liver function, patient behavior, and treatment adherence.
5. Establish a therapeutic relationship that supports recovery, reduces stigma, and encourages ongoing treatment engagement.

1. Assess and document neurologic and hepatic symptoms accurately.
2. Administer medications like lactulose and rifaximin and evaluate their effectiveness in reducing encephalopathy.
3. Use therapeutic communication to address substance use in a supportive, nonjudgmental way.
4. Initiate fall precautions and monitor for worsening encephalopathy or withdrawal symptoms.
5. Escalate care when mental status deteriorates or when signs of alcohol withdrawal appear.
6. Provide discharge teaching about hepatic encephalopathy management, alcohol cessation, and resources for addiction recovery.