Date of Conferral

7-30-2026

Date of Award

July 2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Letha Thomas

Abstract

This Doctor of Nursing Practice project was an organizational process evaluation examining alcohol withdrawal management among hospitalized adults. Alcohol withdrawal can cause severe agitation, seizures, delirium, behavioral emergencies, transfers, and prolonged hospitalization, making early recognition and evidence-based management essential to patient safety. The practice-focused question examined whether hospitalized adults experiencing alcohol withdrawal were assessed and treated proactively based on risk factors and clinical presentation or reactively after symptom escalation, and whether management practices contributed to Code Green activation and higher-level-of-care transfers. The purpose was to identify practice gaps and develop evidence-based recommendations to improve safety and consistency of care. A retrospective review of 47 adult inpatient records over 3 months was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Outcomes reviewed included withdrawal assessment and documentation, medication management, Code Green events, transfers, and hospital length of stay. Findings revealed variability in assessment, documentation, and treatment. Five Code Green events occurred among four patients; two patients required upgrade transfer, one remained on the medical unit, and two were already receiving intensive care. Recommendations include standardized risk assessment, consistent use of validated withdrawal assessment tools, timely symptom-triggered treatment when clinically appropriate, and interdisciplinary education to support earlier risk recognition and more consistent nursing care.

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