A patient with a history of alcohol abuse is admitted with severe confusion and hallucinations. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?

Choice A reason: Group therapy is inappropriate during acute alcohol withdrawal with confusion and hallucinations. These symptoms indicate delirium tremens, involving GABA and glutamate imbalances. Scientifically, group settings may overwhelm, increasing stress and cortisol, worsening neural excitability and delaying stabilization of withdrawal-related neurobiological symptoms. Choice B reason: A high-calorie diet supports recovery but isn’t the priority during acute withdrawal. Confusion and hallucinations reflect severe GABA dysregulation. Scientifically, nutritional support addresses long-term deficits but doesn’t manage acute neurochemical imbalances, risking prolonged delirium tremens without immediate pharmacological intervention. Choice C reason: Administering benzodiazepines stabilizes acute alcohol withdrawal by enhancing GABA activity, reducing neural excitability. Scientifically, this prevents seizures and delirium tremens, addressing glutamate-driven hyperactivity. Prompt administration ensures safety, mitigating severe withdrawal symptoms and supporting neurobiological stabilization during critical alcohol detoxification phases. Choice D reason: Reassurance is supportive but secondary to managing acute withdrawal. Hallucinations and confusion stem from GABA and glutamate imbalances. Scientifically, verbal support doesn’t address neurochemical crises, risking prolonged delirium or seizures without pharmacological intervention to stabilize neural activity in alcohol withdrawal.