Diazepam (Valium)

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

Anticonvulsant
Sedative
Benzodiazepine (controlled substance schedule IV)

Question 2

Actions

Answer 2

Inhibits the spread of electrical activity from the irritable focus in the irritable neurons in the brains
Calms CNS to have an anti-anxiety/sedative effect

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

Status epilepticus
Acute anxiety states
Sedation before elective cardioversion
Acute alcohol withdraw symptoms: delirium, irritability, tremors
May be ordered to blunt the major hypersympathetic response from cocaine: persistent supraventricular tachycardia

Question 4

Dosage/Route

Answer 4

See Hawaii E.S.

Pre-cardioversion or transcutaneous pacing: slow IV bolus titrated to inductions of sedation

Question 5

Standard Prep

Answer 5

10 mg/2cc preloaded syringe

Question 6

Side Effects

Answer 6

Respiratory Depression
Decreased level of consciousness
Hypotension (usually transient)
Pain at IV site - flush line with generous amounts of NS

Question 7

Contraindications

Answer 7

Hypovolemia/hypotension/shock
Pregnancy
Isolated head or multisystems trauma
Pain, unknown etiology
Patients with ETOH or other CNS depressants

Question 8

Precautions

Answer 8

Have resuscitation equipment readily available with supplemental oxygen
Expect short onset and duration of action, request prn order during commo with MD.