For a client admitted for acute alcohol intoxication experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms, what is the treatment of choice?

The treatment of choice for a client admitted for acute alcohol intoxication who is experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms is Librium, which is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are the first-line treatment for alcohol withdrawal because they help to mitigate symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, and agitation while also providing a calming effect.

Librium, specifically, is effective due to its longer half-life compared to other benzodiazepines, allowing for a more stable plasma concentration, which is particularly beneficial in managing withdrawal symptoms throughout the treatment period. Additionally, because it can help prevent the progression of withdrawal symptoms into more severe forms, such as delirium tremens, it is often the preferred choice in clinical settings.

In contrast, other medications listed are not indicated for the management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. For example, Paxil is an antidepressant and is not used in acute withdrawal management. Haldol is an antipsychotic that may be used cautiously to manage agitation or hallucinations but is not the primary treatment for withdrawal symptoms themselves. Tegretol, an anticonvulsant, is sometimes used for seizure prevention in withdrawal cases, but it is not the first-line treatment and is less commonly used compared to benzodiazepines.

Thus, Lib