Author Question: The health care provider orders diazepam (Valium) 10 mg IV stat for a patient who was admitted with ... (Read 58 times)

jilianpiloj · **on:** Jul 24, 2018

The health care provider orders diazepam (Valium) 10 mg IV stat for a patient who was admitted with status epilepticus.

What important nursing interventions(s) associated with administration of this medication IV should the nurse perform? (Select all that apply.)
a. Apply a cardiac monitor to the patient to assess for continuous heart rate, if not already done.
b. Administer the prescribed dosage over 1 minute.
c. Mix diazepam in a primary IV solution to avoid overdosing.
d. Continuously assess the patient's airway.
e. Obtain the correct dose (10 mg) and administer over slow IV push.

Question 2

The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient prescribed phenytoin (Dilantin) for management of a seizure disorder. Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching?

a. I need to avoid or limit caffeine intake.
b. I will check with the pharmacist before taking over-the-counter medication.
c. If I develop enlarged gums, I will stop taking the medication.
d. It is important for me to take my medicine at the same time daily.

perkiness · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 24, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, D, E
It is important to monitor the patient for bradycardia during administration of diazepam.
During a seizure of any type, it is important to assess for airway patency continuously. Diazepam should be administered slowly by the IV route at a rate of no more than 5 mg/min. For status epilepticus, 5 to 10 mg is typical, preferably by slow IV. The dose may be repeated every 5 to 10 minutes, up to a total dosage of 30 mg. If necessary, repeat therapy in 2 to 4 hours; other drugs are preferable for long-term control. Diazepam is incompatible with most other IV medications and should not be combined.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Medications are not discontinued unless approved by the health care provider. Gingival hyperplasia is a common adverse effect that can be reduced by oral hygiene. Limiting caffeine intake, checking with the pharmacist about any additional over-the-counter medications, and taking the medication at the same time every day are appropriate actions by the patient.