A health care provider prescribes lorazepam (Ativan) for an ...

[P68T]

A health care provider prescribes lorazepam (Ativan) for an anxious older adult. What is the nurse's best action?
 
  a. Assess for a history of drug abuse.
  b. Administer the drug as prescribed.
  c. Confer with the health care provider.
  d. Assess the patient's pupillary reaction to light.

Question 2

A patient with suicidal impulses is placed on suicide precautions. Which measures will the nurse incorporate into the plan of care? Select all that apply.
 
  a. Allow no glass or metal on meal trays.
  b. Remove all potentially harmful objects.
  c. Maintain continuous one-on-one nursing observation.
  d. Check the patient's whereabouts every 15 minutes, and make frequent verbal contacts.
  e. Keep the patient within visual range while he or she is awake, and check every 15 to 30 minutes while asleep.

[ky860224]

Answer to Question 1

B
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that has a short half-life. It might be administered safely to older adult patients, although the dose should often be modified downward. It is inadvisable to give benzodiazepines with longer half-lives to older adult patients.

Answer to Question 2

A, B, C
One-on-one observation is necessary for anyone who has limited control over suicidal impulses. Plastic dishes on trays and the removal of potentially harmful objects from the patient's possession are measures included in any level of suicide precautions. The distracters are insufficient to assure the patient's safety.