Delirium tremens prevention includes which measures?

Delirium tremens prevention includes which measures?

• A. Thiamine administration and benzodiazepines
• B. Vitamin C supplementation only
• C. Antipsychotics alone
• D. Hydration without thiamine

Answer: (A)

Delirium tremens prevention centers on two key steps: controlling withdrawal symptoms and addressing thiamine deficiency. Giving benzodiazepines helps blunt the severe withdrawal response—reducing agitation, tremors, autonomic instability, and the risk of seizures or progression to delirium. Thiamine replacement is essential because chronic alcohol use often causes thiamine depletion; providing thiamine protects against Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a dangerous complication during withdrawal. In practice, thiamine is typically given prior to or with glucose to prevent precipitating Wernicke’s with carbohydrate administration. Hydration and electrolyte management are important supportive care, but hydration alone without thiamine doesn’t prevent these nutritional complications. Vitamin C alone or antipsychotics alone don’t address the main preventive needs.

Delirium tremens prevention centers on two key steps: controlling withdrawal symptoms and addressing thiamine deficiency. Giving benzodiazepines helps blunt the severe withdrawal response—reducing agitation, tremors, autonomic instability, and the risk of seizures or progression to delirium. Thiamine replacement is essential because chronic alcohol use often causes thiamine depletion; providing thiamine protects against Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a dangerous complication during withdrawal. In practice, thiamine is typically given prior to or with glucose to prevent precipitating Wernicke’s with carbohydrate administration. Hydration and electrolyte management are important supportive care, but hydration alone without thiamine doesn’t prevent these nutritional complications. Vitamin C alone or antipsychotics alone don’t address the main preventive needs.