Substance use disorders: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Which of the following is the most deadly substance or drug in the United States?
A. Alcohol
B. Cocaine
C. Heroin
D. Marijuana
E. Phencyclidine
Answer and topic summary
The answer is A. Alcohol
Alcohol is the most dangerous drug/substance. Both alcohol poisoning and withdrawal are dangerous. Specifically, alcohol withdrawal happens from abrupt cessation or reduction in alcohol intake. Symptoms are based on onset: after 6-8 hours you may see anxiety, restlessness, agitation, GI upset, diaphoresis; after 24-72 hours patients may have marked agitation, nightmares, N/V/D, tachycardia, hypertension, and hallucinations; around 72-96 hours there will be tremors, possible seizures, fever, delirium, drenching sweats, and persistent hallucinations. Work-up includes UDS, CBC, CMP, lipase, ammonia, blood EtOH level, and CT head to rule out an intracranial issue. CIWA-protocol should be followed; first-line agents are benzodiazepines.
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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Psychiatry ⇒
Also covered in Psychiatry Rotation Blueprint
