Get Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (cows) 2011-2025

The Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) is a standardized tool used to assess the severity of opiate withdrawal symptoms. This guide will help you navigate the process of completing the COWS online, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Follow the steps to successfully complete the COWS online.

1. Press the ‘Get Form’ button to access the form and open it in your browser.
2. Enter the patient’s name in the provided field labeled ‘Patient name’.
3. Document the opioid(s) last used in the designated section.
4. Fill in the date and time the opioid(s) were last used to provide context for the assessment.
5. Measure and record the resting pulse rate in beats per minute (bpm), selecting the appropriate score based on the guidelines provided.
6. Evaluate and note the sweating experienced by the patient in the last half hour, scoring accordingly based on observed symptoms.
7. Observe the patient for restlessness during the assessment and enter the score to reflect their ability to sit still.
8. Assess pupil size and select the corresponding score based on your observations.
9. If relevant, record any bone or joint aches the patient reports, ensuring to follow the scoring criteria.
10. Check for any runny nose or tearing not attributed to cold symptoms or allergies, and choose the fitting score.
11. Document gastrointestinal upset over the last half hour by assigning the appropriate score based on the patient's symptoms.
12. Observe the patient's hands for tremors and score based on your findings.
13. Monitor yawning during the assessment and document the frequency to determine the score.
14. Assess the patient’s level of anxiety or irritability, assigning a score that best represents their condition.
15. Evaluate the skin for gooseflesh, scoring based on the visibility and prominence of piloerection.
16. Calculate the total score based on the individual component scores and document this in the nursing notes. Classify the score to reflect the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

Complete your assessment by filing the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale online today.