A 52-year-old homeless man with chronic alcohol misuse is given IV 5% dextrose for dehydration in the emergency department without prior vitamin suppl...

Question

A 52-year-old homeless man with chronic alcohol misuse is given IV 5% dextrose for dehydration in the emergency department without prior vitamin supplementation. He becomes confused with ataxia and nystagmus. What is the most appropriate immediate treatment?

Accepted Answer

High-dose IV Thiamine before any further glucose administration

Answer

High-dose oral Thiamine only

Answer

Diazepam for agitation only

Answer

Discharge as this is intoxication

Answer

No specific treatment is required

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Wernicke’s encephalopathy

A 52-year-old homeless man with chronic alcohol misuse is given IV 5% dextrose for dehydration in the emergency department without prior vitamin supplementation. He becomes confused with ataxia and nystagmus. What is the most appropriate immediate treatment?