Minimum standards for safe nursing care for users of alcoholic beverages

Abstract

Objective: to develop minimum standards for nursing care for people intoxicated by alcohol and treated in the emergency units. Method: documental research, built upon the experience of the authors as members of the nursing care team of a center of toxicological assistance, based on literature review. Results: we presented the results in two units. Firstly, through a brief literature review on patient safety and alcohol users attended in emergency department, and secondly through a description of minimum standards for initial nursing care necessary for the safety of users of alcohol in three aspects: clinical/biological, psycho-emotional and social. Conclusion: The presented standardization, besides regulating nursing practice, improves the execution of assistance programs in the toxicology centers.