Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is the primary treatment for Wernicke's syndrome?

1. Psychotherapy

2. Thiamine administration

3. Benzodiazepines

4. Opioids

The correct answer is: Thiamine administration

Wernicke's syndrome is primarily caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, often associated with chronic alcoholism or malnutrition. The most critical aspect of treating this condition is the administration of thiamine, as it addresses the underlying deficiency that leads to the neurological symptoms associated with Wernicke's syndrome. Thiamine treatment is typically given intravenously, particularly in severe cases, to rapidly replenish the body's stores and alleviate symptoms such as confusion, ataxia, and eye movement disturbances. Other treatments like psychotherapy, benzodiazepines, or opioids do not target the root cause of Wernicke's syndrome, which is the lack of thiamine. Psychotherapy is more relevant for mental health conditions rather than acute neurological syndromes. Benzodiazepines may be used for managing withdrawal symptoms in patients with alcohol dependency, but they do not contribute to the treatment of Wernicke's syndrome itself. Opioids are analgesics that treat pain and are unrelated to the treatment of thiamine deficiency or its neurological effects. Thus, thiamine administration is the crucial and effective intervention necessary to treat the condition and prevent progression to Korsakoff syndrome, a more chronic disorder resulting from untreated Wernicke's syndrome.