A patient is admitted is alcohol withdrawal suffering from delirium tremens. The patient is a chronic alcoholic and cocaine addict. Which of the following is the principal diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Delirium tremens is the principal diagnosis as it is a severe and potentially life-threatening manifestation of alcohol withdrawal commonly seen in chronic alcoholics. The patient's cocaine addiction is a comorbidity that may exacerbate the symptoms of delirium tremens but is not the principal diagnosis. Chronic alcoholism and alcohol withdrawal are related to the principal diagnosis but do not specifically encompass the severe manifestation of delirium tremens.

A Patient Is Admitted Is Alcohol Withdrawal Suffering from Delirium