Pharmocology

Question 1

Respiratory depression:

Answer 1

Do not combine
benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or Z-hypnotics
with other CNS depressants (opioids, alcohol) due
to risk of fatal respiratory depression.
Sedation: Advise caution with activities requiring
alertness (driving).
Fall risk: Side effects, such as ataxia and slowed
reflexes,fall risk, especially in older adults.

Question 2

Respiratory depression:

Answer 2

Benzodiazepines,
barbiturates, and Z-hypnotics can cause fatal
respiratory depression if combined with other CNS
depressants (opioids, alcohol).

Question 3

Sedation:

Answer 3

Benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and Z-hypnotics cause CNS depression, resulting in
side effects such as sedation, ataxia, and slowed
reflexes. Teach client to use caution with tasks
requiring alertness (driving).

Question 4

Withdrawal:

Answer 4

Benzodiazepines and barbiturates should not be stopped abruptly as this can
cause withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety,
insomnia, and possibly seizures.

Question 5

“Z” hypnotics:

Answer 5

“Z” hypnotics should be taken at
bedtime and can cause complex sleep behaviors,
such as sleepwalking.

Question 6

Benzodiazepines
alprazolam
lorazepam
clonazepam
diazepam

Answer 6

Rapid onset: Used as needed for acute
anxiety (panic attacks) and insomnia
Cautions:
Risk for tolerance, dependence, and misuse Can cause withdrawal: Do not stop
abruptly.
Have antidote available for overdose =
flumazenil.

Question 7

Barbiturates
pentobarbital
phenobarbital

Answer 7

Cautions:
Risk for tolerance, dependence, and
misuse
Can cause withdrawal: Do not stop
abruptly.

Question 8

“Z” Hypnotics
eszopiclone
zaleplon
zolpidem

Answer 8

Considerations:
Take at bedtime.
Cautions:
Can cause complex sleep behaviors
(sleepwalking)

Question 9

Miscellaneous
anxiolytics
buspirone

Answer 9

Considerations:
Taken daily for long-term management of
chronic anxiety
Takes several weeks to begin working