University:
City Colleges of Chicago
Course:
NURS 213 | Advanced Medical Surgical
Academic year:

2021
Views:

150

Pages:

1
Author:

Alma Stephenson

ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE: Medication Diazepam, Lorazepam, Alprazolam, Clonazepam MEDICATION __________________________________________________________________________ REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER ___________ Benzodiazepines CATEGORY CLASS ______________________________________________________________________ PURPOSE OF MEDICATION Expected Pharmacological Action Potentiates the effects of GABA, depresses the CNS, and suppresses the spread of seizure activity. Therapeutic Use Anxiety, Panic disorders, muscle spasm, acute alcohol withdrawal, adjunctive treatment for seizures Complications CNS: insomnia, irritability, dizziness, headache, anxiety, confusion, drowsiness, light-headedness, sedation, somnolence, difficulty speaking, impaired coordination, memory impairment, fatigue, depression, suicide, mental impairment, ataxia, paresthesia, dyskinesia, hypoesthesia, lethargy, vertigo, malaise, tremor, nervousness, restlessness, agitation, nightmare, syncope, akathisia, mania. CV: palpitations, chest pain, hypotension. EENT: blurred vision, tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion. GI: diarrhea, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, increased or decreased appetite, anorexia, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, increased or decreased salivation. GU: dysmenorrhea, sexual dysfunction, premenstrual syndrome, difficulty urinating. Metabolic: increased or decreased weight. Musculoskeletal: arthralgia, myalgia, arm or leg pain, back pain, muscle rigidity, muscle cramps, muscle twitch. Respiratory: URI, dyspnea, hyperventilation. Skin: pruritus, increased sweating, dermatitis. Other: influenza, injury, emergence of anxiety between doses, dependence, feeling warm, increased or decreased libido. Medication Administration IM, PO, Rectal, IV Contraindications/Precautions -Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to drug or other benzodiazepines and in those with acute angle-closure glaucoma. -BB: Opioids should only be prescribed with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants to patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. -Use cautiously in patients with hepatic, renal, or pulmonary disease or history of substance abuse. -Use cautiously in elderly patients. -May increase LFT values and eosinophil count. May decrease platelet and WBC counts. Interactions CNS Depressants Opioids SSRIs: May enhance adverse/toxic effects of SSRIs and increase risk of psychomotor impairment. Monitor patient closely. St. John’s wort Alcohol TCAs (amitriptyline, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline): May increase levels of these drugs. Monitor patient closely. Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness Lessened anxiety Nursing Interventions Abuse and dependence are possible. Watch for drug-seeking behavior. Monitor hepatic, renal, and hematopoietic function periodically in patients receiving repeated or prolonged therapy. Closely monitor addiction-prone patients. Client Education -Avoid hazardous activities that require alertness and good coordination until effects of drug are known. -Avoid use of alcohol while taking drug. Smoking may decrease drug’s effectiveness. -Do not stop drug abruptly because withdrawal symptoms or seizures may occur. -Inform about signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine abuse, misuse, and addiction and to seek emergency medical help if they occur; and on proper disposal of unused drug.