RE: [EXTERNAL] Alcohol Withdrawal
If you haven't already done so you may wish to consider talking with a Neurologist at your facility to get a definition. Both can be short term but normally encephalopathy has an underlying cause and is longer term. Delirium is normally short term and self-limiting. DT's probably meet the definition of delirium better than an encephalopathy and will resolve with the patient going back to their baseline. With an alcoholic encephalopathy they have permanently lost some cognitive function because of long term alcohol abuse and dependence.
Just my 2 cents here.
Robert
Robert S. Hodges MSN, BSN, RN, CCDS, VHA-CM
Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
Secretary, Nursing Professional Standards Board
Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center
1500 Weiss Street, ATTN PAS-136
Saginaw MI 48602
989-497-2500 x13101
Robert.Hodges2@va.gov
VA Core Values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence (“I CARE”)
VA Core Characteristics: Trustworthy, Accessible, Quality, Innovative, Agile, Integrated
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug." Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens
Just my 2 cents here.
Robert
Robert S. Hodges MSN, BSN, RN, CCDS, VHA-CM
Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
Secretary, Nursing Professional Standards Board
Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center
1500 Weiss Street, ATTN PAS-136
Saginaw MI 48602
989-497-2500 x13101
Robert.Hodges2@va.gov
VA Core Values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence (“I CARE”)
VA Core Characteristics: Trustworthy, Accessible, Quality, Innovative, Agile, Integrated
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug." Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens