Mental Hlth - Anxiolytic Agent

Question 1

General Benzodiazepines

MOA
contra
BB
AE
nurisng

Answer 1

• MOA: depress activity of CNS through GABA receptors
• Contra: pregnancy (X), lactation, COPD, older adults
• Black Box Warning: DEA scheduled IV, CNS depressants (alcohol, opioids)
• AEs: CNS depression; overdose: resp depression, coma
• Nursing: caution w/ IV route; long term use must taper discontinuation (withdrawal syndrome); addictive

Question 2

Lorazepam (Ativan) - Class & Use

Answer 2

• Class: Benzodiazepine
• Use: anxiety disorders, acute agitation, acute alcohol withdrawal, pre-op sedation

Question 3

Lorazepam (Ativan) - Route & AEs

Answer 3

• Route: oral or IVP (2mg/min)
• AEs:
  > drowsiness
  > dizziness
  > lethargy
  > fatigue
  > hypotension
  > overdose: resp depression (more common when taken w/ other CNS depressants)

Question 4

Lorazepam (Ativan) - Nursing Considerations

Answer 4

• Fall precautions
• LOC
• VS

Question 5

Benzodiazepines Assessment

part of care plan

Answer 5

• Focus on lvl of sedation, resp, VS
• Indication for drug
  > depression, suicidal ideation

Question 6

Benzodiazepines Interventions

part of care plan

Answer 6

• Give parenteral only if oral forms are not feasible/available
• Admin in AM if causes insomnia or HS if causes drowsiness
• Taper dose after long term therapy
• Fall precautions
• Teach pt: drug name, dose, AE, non-pharm therapy for anxiety, report suicidal ideation, therapeutic effect up to 4wks

Question 7

Benzodiazepines Evaluation

part of care plan

Answer 7

• Therapeutic response
• AE
• Teaching
• Compliance