31st January 2024

You are the day SHO clerking a 50-year-old patient on the acute psychiatric ward who has been admitted under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act

You are the day SHO clerking a 50-year-old patient on the acute psychiatric ward who has been admitted under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act. He was admitted following a paracetamol overdose, which has been medically managed, and is currently being treated for a major depressive episode, hence his transfer to the acute psychiatric ward. There is a history of self-neglect spanning several years and significant weight loss. You do not identify anything abnormal on physical examination. During your history taking, he discloses that he usually consumes at least half a bottle of whiskey per night (about 500ml). How best would you manage risks related to this man’s drinking on a psychiatric ward?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.