CIWA protocol
Pronunciation: SEE-wah
Also written as: CIWA — Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment
Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment protocol for managing alcohol withdrawal in psychiatric emergency settings.
Full Definition
A standardized assessment and treatment protocol used to evaluate and manage patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal syndrome in emergency psychiatric settings. The CIWA protocol uses a scoring system to assess withdrawal symptoms including tremor, agitation, sweating, anxiety, headache, nausea, and sensory disturbances. Based on the score, clinicians administer appropriate medications, typically benzodiazepines, to prevent progression to severe withdrawal complications such as delirium tremens or seizures. This protocol is essential in psychiatric emergency care where alcohol use disorders frequently complicate mental health presentations.
Usage
Usage note: Pronunciation as 'SEE-wah' is standard in clinical settings.
In Context
- "The patient's CIWA protocol score of 15 indicated moderate withdrawal requiring scheduled benzodiazepine administration." — Nursing assessment
- "CIWA protocol monitoring was initiated every four hours due to the patient's history of severe alcohol withdrawal." — Treatment plan