NSER 7210 - Mod 2 Exam Questions with Correct Answers Latest Update 2025/2026
Describe the stages of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, and the timing since last drink - Answers
Minor: 6-12 hours (Tremors, sweating, nausea, tachy)
Alcohol hallucinosis: 12-24 hours (Dysperception)
Alcohol withdrawal seizures: 24-48 (Seizures)
Delirium tremens: 48-72 (psychosis, hallucinations, seizure, coma)
What is the "gold standard treatment" of alcohol withdrawal - Answers Benzodiazepines
What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal - Answers Autonomic hyperactivity - Agitation,
tremors, irritability, anxiety, hyperreflexia, confusion, hypertension, tachycardia, fever,
diaphoresis,
Severe: Hallucinations, Seizures, psychosis, coma
Briefly describe the mechanism of EOTH withdrawal - Answers ETOH causes CNS depression
through enhanced GABA activity. Chronic ETOH causes reduced function and number of GABA
receptors and upregulation of NMDA receptors to achieve homeostasis.
Abrupt cessation causes hyperexcitability due to impaired GABA (inhibition) and increased
NMDA (excitatory) functioning
What is the "Kindling" theory of alcohol withdrawal - Answers Those with repeated episodes of
alcohol withdrawal syndrome have an increased neuronal excitability and sensitivity, meaning
they are at risk of progression to severe withdrawal
Who is at risk of severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome? - Answers Those with repeated episodes
of AWS
Medications that mask early symptoms (beta blockers)
Severe illness increases risk of severe AWS (pneumonia, coronary heart disease, liver disease,
anemia)
Describe the general treatment plan of alcohol withdrawal syndrome - Answers Reduce
stressors: Gentle reorientation, quiet room, gentle lighting
Correct fluid depletion, hypoglycemia and lyte and vitamin disturbances
Benzo's are only med with proven efficacy, several others being studied (Sodium oxybate,
propofol)
Potential adjuncts (Beta blockers, barbituates, clonidine, gabapentin, neuroepileptics)
, Define SIRS - Answers An overwhelming, unregulated inflammatory response
Results in uncontrolled coagulation, widespread vessel leakage, poor distribution of circulating
volume
Explain qSOFA for assessment of Sepsis - Answers Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment
RR >22
Change in mental status
Systolic BP < 100 mmHg
State the 5 risk factors for severe sepsis - Answers Looks unwell
Age >65
Recent surgery
Immunocompromised
Chronic illness (Diabetes, renal failure, cancer, ETOH)
State the SIRS Criteria - Answers 2 or more of the following
HR > 90
RR > 22
Temp > 38 or < 36
WBC > 12,000 or < 4,000
State the hallmark symptoms of septic shock and brief patho - Answers Warm, flushed skin -
Exaggerated inflammatory response causing vasodilation
Depleted intravascular volume with normal total fluid volume , fluid distributed where it cant be
accessed
Early malfunctioning of coagulation and depleted clotting factors = bleeding
Briefly describe the patho of sepsis - Answers Bacteria in the blood causes release of
endotoxins (gram neg) and exotoxins (gram pos) causing pro-inflammatory cytokines
Cytokines activate the complement and coagulation system, kinin system and neutrophils,
monocyte/macrophage activity, causing more cytokines
Causes endothelial cell dysfunction causing vasodilation and vascular leaking
Describe the stages of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, and the timing since last drink - Answers
Minor: 6-12 hours (Tremors, sweating, nausea, tachy)
Alcohol hallucinosis: 12-24 hours (Dysperception)
Alcohol withdrawal seizures: 24-48 (Seizures)
Delirium tremens: 48-72 (psychosis, hallucinations, seizure, coma)
What is the "gold standard treatment" of alcohol withdrawal - Answers Benzodiazepines
What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal - Answers Autonomic hyperactivity - Agitation,
tremors, irritability, anxiety, hyperreflexia, confusion, hypertension, tachycardia, fever,
diaphoresis,
Severe: Hallucinations, Seizures, psychosis, coma
Briefly describe the mechanism of EOTH withdrawal - Answers ETOH causes CNS depression
through enhanced GABA activity. Chronic ETOH causes reduced function and number of GABA
receptors and upregulation of NMDA receptors to achieve homeostasis.
Abrupt cessation causes hyperexcitability due to impaired GABA (inhibition) and increased
NMDA (excitatory) functioning
What is the "Kindling" theory of alcohol withdrawal - Answers Those with repeated episodes of
alcohol withdrawal syndrome have an increased neuronal excitability and sensitivity, meaning
they are at risk of progression to severe withdrawal
Who is at risk of severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome? - Answers Those with repeated episodes
of AWS
Medications that mask early symptoms (beta blockers)
Severe illness increases risk of severe AWS (pneumonia, coronary heart disease, liver disease,
anemia)
Describe the general treatment plan of alcohol withdrawal syndrome - Answers Reduce
stressors: Gentle reorientation, quiet room, gentle lighting
Correct fluid depletion, hypoglycemia and lyte and vitamin disturbances
Benzo's are only med with proven efficacy, several others being studied (Sodium oxybate,
propofol)
Potential adjuncts (Beta blockers, barbituates, clonidine, gabapentin, neuroepileptics)
, Define SIRS - Answers An overwhelming, unregulated inflammatory response
Results in uncontrolled coagulation, widespread vessel leakage, poor distribution of circulating
volume
Explain qSOFA for assessment of Sepsis - Answers Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment
RR >22
Change in mental status
Systolic BP < 100 mmHg
State the 5 risk factors for severe sepsis - Answers Looks unwell
Age >65
Recent surgery
Immunocompromised
Chronic illness (Diabetes, renal failure, cancer, ETOH)
State the SIRS Criteria - Answers 2 or more of the following
HR > 90
RR > 22
Temp > 38 or < 36
WBC > 12,000 or < 4,000
State the hallmark symptoms of septic shock and brief patho - Answers Warm, flushed skin -
Exaggerated inflammatory response causing vasodilation
Depleted intravascular volume with normal total fluid volume , fluid distributed where it cant be
accessed
Early malfunctioning of coagulation and depleted clotting factors = bleeding
Briefly describe the patho of sepsis - Answers Bacteria in the blood causes release of
endotoxins (gram neg) and exotoxins (gram pos) causing pro-inflammatory cytokines
Cytokines activate the complement and coagulation system, kinin system and neutrophils,
monocyte/macrophage activity, causing more cytokines
Causes endothelial cell dysfunction causing vasodilation and vascular leaking
