Ketamine藥物濫用相關症狀護理

Ketamine, a non-barbiturate anesthetic agent, becomes a common choice for substance abusers due to its feasibility and accessibility. Delusions, sensory distortions, and even dangerous behaviors may result from its abuse. Competent nurses should be familiar with evaluation of the clinical symptoms related to its abuse, in order to provide appropriate nursing care. In acute stage, a calm and supportive environment is necessary to treat the distortion of users' reality from Ketamine, reduce stimulation and prevent harmful events. Clear, warm communications, as well as symptomatic treatment in an observable situation are needed. Careful physical restraining procedures are crucial to manage users' occasional uncontrolled behavior and violence. Relapse prevention should he combined with self controlled training, problem-solving skills, self help groups, or abstinence institutions in rehabilitative stage.