Question

A 45-year-old man with chronic heavy alcohol use is admitted with confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. There is concern about impending alcohol withdrawal. Which is the most appropriate immediate pharmacologic intervention?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous thiamine before glucose administration

Answer

High-dose glucose-containing intravenous fluids without vitamins

Answer

Intravenous naloxone

Answer

Haloperidol alone for agitation

Answer

Long-acting benzodiazepine only after 48 hours

Practice question

A 45-year-old man with chronic heavy alcohol use is admitted with confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. There is concern about impending alcohol withdrawal. Which is the most appropriate immediate pharmacologic intervention?