Nursing implications of alcohol withdrawal in the postoperative orthopaedic patient

SummaryEarly assessment and identification of patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal (AWD) in the postoperative period can be crucial to the outcomes for the orthopaedic patient. Accurate and swift identification of patients experiencing AWD can impact mortality, morbidity and length of stay in the postoperative period. This article follows a case study involving a postoperative right Total Knee Arthroplasty patient, outlines the current perceptions on pathophysiology and offers guidelines for prevention and interventions. The purpose is to increase the nurse’s knowledge and understanding of AWD and related safety issues in the hospitalised postoperative orthopaedic patient.