NCLEX RN Practice Question

The client is demonstrating signs of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which can begin within hours of the last alcohol use. Symptoms such as tremors, agitation, diaphoresis, and nausea are hallmark indicators. Early identification is critical to minimize complications like seizures or delirium tremens (DTs). While conditions like delirium tremens, a panic attack, or a medical emergency can present with some overlapping symptoms, these usually have different onset patterns and clinical markers. For example, delirium tremens involves severe confusion and hallucinations, typically occurring 48–96 hours after alcohol cessation.