A 48-year-old woman with a long history of heavy alcohol intake is admitted with confusion, ataxia, and nystagmus. You suspect Wernicke’s encephalopat...

Question

A 48-year-old woman with a long history of heavy alcohol intake is admitted with confusion, ataxia, and nystagmus. You suspect Wernicke’s encephalopathy. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Give IV high-dose Thiamine before any glucose-containing fluids

Answer

Give IV 10% dextrose immediately to correct presumed hypoglycaemia

Answer

Start long-term oral Thiamine only

Answer

Give IV Diazepam to treat presumed alcohol withdrawal

Answer

Discharge after reassurance and advice to stop drinking

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

A 48-year-old woman with a long history of heavy alcohol intake is admitted with confusion, ataxia, and nystagmus. You suspect Wernicke’s encephalopathy. What is the most appropriate immediate management?