Safe withdrawal from acute alcohol abuse in the aged

It is imperative to consider chronic and acute alcoholism as possibly underlying problems that aged persons may exhibit. The potential exacerbation of organ dysfunctions, the complexity of medication regimens, and negative interactions of these are all more likely to create problems in the treatment of the elderly alcoholic patient. The nurse, the social worker, the nutritionist, the physician, and the pharmacologist must work as a team to treat these patients properly. The nurse focuses on maintaining patient safety and function, continually assessing, observing, and reassessing. On the basis of these data the pharmacologist collaborates with the physician to manage medications and titrate dosages properly. Malnutrition is a prevalent problem among the aged, particularly older alcoholic men who live alone. The nutritionist must assess dietary deficiencies and recommend therapeutic vitamins, minerals, and foods as needed. It is imperative to evaluate serum levels of folic acid, cyanocobalamin, thiamine, magnesium, and to monitor periodically potassium. Before discharge the social worker assists the patient in beginning an appropriate alcoholic treatment plan. The situation of the acutely ill alcoholic patient requires ongoing and precise collaboration of the team to achieve acceptable outcomes.