TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2004//
TI  - Substance abuse and the trauma patient
JO  - Trauma (Sage)
A1  - Guly, Henry
SP  - 205
EP  - 210
VL  - 6
IS  - 3
N2  - Alcohol and other drugs of abuse are often associated with trauma. Alcohol and other drugs have an effect on patients' behaviour, their vital signs, conscious level and pupils. IV drug abusers may have difficult venous access and may carry blood borne infections. Drug dependent patients are at risk of withdrawal symptoms which need to be recognized and treated. Acute intoxication may make the diagnosis of brain (and other) injuries difficult and chronic alcoholism may be associated with a variety of medical problems which may complicate the management of trauma and which lead to increased mortality. It is important not just to treat the injuries but to recognize the underlying substance abuse so that help can be offered and future injuries avoided.   Keywords alcohol, substance abuse, trauma, vital signs<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1460-4086
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1191/1460408604ta315oa
ID  - ref1
ER  -