What Are Benzodiazepines?
What body system do Benzodiazepines effect?
The neurological system
What are the main adverse effects that you have to be aware of when taking this medication?
CNS effects
In what forms can benzodiazepines be administered?
IV, IM, PO, Inhalation
True or false: can you overdose on this class of drugs?
True
What precautions should a patient on benzodiazepines be placed on?
fall precautions
What is the common word ending that each medication in the benzodiazepine class end in?
(pam) or (lam)
What mental health condition do you have to watch for in patient's who take this medication?
Suicidal Ideation
About how long is someone usually on this medication for?
Are benzodiazepines or barbiturates safer for patients?
benzodiazepines
What vital sign is most important for the nurse to monitor?
respiratory rate
What are three reasons why someone would take benzodiazepines?
Sedation, Epilepsy, Relaxation
When on this medication, what are two things that you should avoid?
Can you randomly stop taking this medication?
No, you have to tapper the medication
What is a major habit risk for the patient?
Potential drug abuse
What should the nurse include in patient teaching for a patient taking benzodiazepines?
don't drive or operate heavy machinery, make patient aware of fall risk, educate on tapering off medication
What classification do benzodiazepines fall under?
Benzodiazepines are a sedative/ depressant
What eye condition is contraindicated in patient's who take this medication?
glaucoma
At what rate are you able to inject the IV bolus?
Slowly to avoid complications such as tinnitus
What populations are we particularly concerned about taking these medications?
Elderly individuals and those with a history of substance abuse
Why should the nurse question a patient taking benzodiazepines and CNS depressants concurrently?
because they both cause respiratory depression, increasing the patient's risk!
What classification of seizures do this medication treat?
This medication treats active seizures
When on this medication, what is something you may develop?
Respiratory Depression
How long do you wait in between doses?
at least 2 hours
What is the reversal agent?
Flumazenil (Romazicon)
What are symptoms of overdose that the nurse should be monitoring for?
extreme drowsiness, shallow and slow breathing, and loss of consciousness