DEFINITIONS & USE
Drug class used short-term for acute anxiety
Benzodiazepines
Most serious long-term risk
What is a persecutory delusion?
Best nursing approach when administering benzos
Calm, non-threatening
Medication class preferred long-term instead of benzos
SSRIs
“Fast relief” answers usually signal
Benzodiazepines
Example of a benzodiazepine
Lorazepam
This is the priority intervention for a client in the acute phase of schizophrenia.
Dependence
Key assessment before administration
Respiratory status
Why benzos don’t treat underlying anxiety
They only suppress symptoms
Why benzos are rarely correct long-term
: Dependence risk
Primary therapeutic effect
CNS depression / anxiolysis
Risk when combined with alcohol
: Respiratory depression
Priority teaching
Avoid driving or alcohol
Effect of tolerance
Need higher doses
Red-flag patient history
Substance abuse
Onset characteristic of benzodiazepines
Rapid onset
Withdrawal complication
Seizures
Best use timeframe
Short-term only
Safer option for chronic anxiety
: Buspirone or SSRIs
Incorrect nursing behavior
: Forcing medication
Population requiring extra caution
Older adults
Why benzos increase fall risk
Sedation and impaired coordination
Nursing focus in substance-use history
Alternative treatments
Why benzos worsen depression risk
CNS depressant effects
Core NCLEX rule
Use benzos short-term only