Alcohol is metabolized by the liver. Long term consumption of alcohol in excessive amounts can cause irreversible damage to the liver. Alcohol addiction, or alcoholism, is medically diagnosed as a disease which manifests itself in the frequent use of alcohol, despite the negative consequences it has on a personâs life.
The best safety precaution is a specialized caregiver known as a hospital sitter. Hospital sitters provide round-the-clock companionship and make observations of any problems the patient may be experiencing. Sitters monitor and keep the patient company, converse, read and/or even run errands for the patient. However, sitters cannot aid or participate in any patient care or physical contact and they must stay out of the way of hospital staff. Hospital sitters are under the direction of the patient registered nurse.
Nurses assess whether patient has a mobility deficit and request a physician order for a physical therapy consult if needed. 1  The unit also uses patient sitters if a patient has had a fall. 2  Patients are moved near the nurses' station if they do not follow instructions to get assistance to get out of bed.