Re: Assessment & Monitoring, ETOH+ (and some questions about Geodon)
I treat sedated ETOH patients the same as unknown altered LOC patients. I try to do q15min checks. I include a pupillary exam and document it is consistent with the medications given, airway management, cardiac function, output, and of course vitals and GCS. I treat them as if they might have a head bleed because you just never do know. I've had several ETOH who have turned out to be head bleeds. As for the psych patients I do vitals, have they been offered food, safety protocols initiated or maintained, and mood/affect.
D
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