Delirium tremens and precipitous behavior. An analysis of two cases.

Alcoholism exists in alarming numbers of medical and surgical patients, often adding significant difficulties to their hospital management. Patient experiencing delirium tremens are known to exhibit irrational behavior, such as attempts to escape the hospital by any available means. Two cases of surgical patients at Rochester General Hospital who jumped from windows are discussed. These cases are reviewed closely, revealing deficiencies in history taking, errors in pharmacotherapy, and lapses in nurse-physician communication. The psychiatric consultant is alerted to a potential role in helping his medical and surgical colleagues avert disasters such as those described.