Motives of Alcohol- and/or Tobacco-Addicted Patients to Seek Medical Help

Systemic effects of excessive alcohol consumption

“…The nurse should correlate lab biomarkers with the patient's alcohol consumption patterns and physical assessment findings. Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is a standard marker of EAC 15,16,33,34. GGT may be elevated anytime an individual consumes alcohol, but the level is much higher in an individual who engages in EAC 15,16,33,34.…”

“…6,25,28 Individuals who engage in EAC may be deficient in vitamin A, the B-vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, protein, calcium, and iron leading to fatigue, depression, anemia, osteoporosis, decreased immune function, liver disease, and central and peripheral nervous system disorders. 6,8,9,16,22,25,28 The nurse and dietitian should encourage a patient to consume foods rich in thiamine, including poultry, pork, red meat, whole grain cereals, bread, bran, brown rice, dried beans, and nuts. 22,25,28,29,31 Individuals with EAC may have electrolyte abnormalities because of poor nutrition, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, requiring hospitalization to manage signs and symptoms.…”

“…15,16,33,34 An aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio of 2:1 is suggestive of liver injury secondary to EAC. 15,16,33,34 An in-crease in carbohydrate-deficient transferrin is a specific marker of EAC and is especially useful when correlated with liver enzyme elevation. 15,33,34 An increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a common feature in EAC.…”

“…1 The nurse and other members of the interdisciplinary team may suspect that a patient engages in EAC through an evaluation of health history, physical assessment, and lab data (see Patient assistance). [7][8][9]12,[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]32,[35][36][37][38][39][40] Conclusions EAC is a global health crisis that creates and exacerbates many health problems. A priority nursing goal is to educate the public and the patient about EAC' s impact on body systems, organs, and relationships.…”

“…2 The abuse and misuse of alcohol is responsible for more pathologic conditions than any other addictive substance. 11,15,16 Effects on body organs and systems EAC impairs every body organ and system. 9,[17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] Vitamin B1 (thiamine) plays a significant nutritional role in EAC as it is necessary to convert carbohydrates into energy and for optimal functioning of the muscles and central and peripheral nervous, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, cardiovascular, and immune systems.…”