COWS scale
Pronunciation: cows scale
Also written as: COWS — Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale
Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale used to assess severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Full Definition
Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale, a standardized assessment tool used to objectively measure the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms in psychiatric and medical settings. The COWS scale evaluates eleven clinical criteria including vital signs, physical symptoms, and behavioral indicators to guide medication protocols and treatment decisions. In psychiatric hospitals, COWS assessments are critical for patients with co-occurring substance use disorders requiring withdrawal management during psychiatric treatment.
Usage
Usage note: Specific to opioid withdrawal; do not confuse with CIWA for alcohol withdrawal.
In Context
- "The patient's COWS scale score indicated moderate withdrawal requiring pharmacological intervention." — Medical assessment documentation
- "COWS scale assessments were performed every four hours during the withdrawal protocol." — Nursing care plan