Lorazepam (Ativan) is ordered to be given through the intravenous ...

[Diane]

Lorazepam (Ativan) is ordered to be given through the intravenous route for a client with status epilepticus. The client currently has an intravenous infusion of dextrose 5 and 0.9 normal saline at the rate of 125 mL/hr.
 
  Which action demonstrates the correct administration of this medication by the nurse?
  1. Administering Ativan by slow IV injection over a 2- to 4-minute period.
  2. Injecting the Ativan quickly via IV push.
  3. Discontinuing the intravenous infusion prior to administering the medication.
  4. Mixing the Ativan in a 50cc bag of NS and administering piggyback over 30 minutes.

Question 2

A client who is complaining of anxiety and difficulty sleeping has asked what prescription medications would assist in getting to sleep. What would be appropriate responses?
 
  Standard Text: Select all that apply.
  1. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  2. Valerian root
  3. Ramelteon (Rozerem)
  4. Flurazepam (Dalmane)
  5. Zolpidem (Ambien)

[Jordin Calloway]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Ativan should be administered over a 2- to 4-minute period when given via IV push.
Rationale 2: Rapid IV administration can result in apnea, hypotension, bradycardia, or cardiac arrest.
Rationale 3: The intravenous infusion does not need to be discontinued prior to administering the medication.
Rationale 4: Giving Ativan over 30 minutes would not benefit the client who needs immediate treatment for status epilepticus.
Global Rationale: Ativan should be administered over a 2- to 4-minute period when given via IV push. Rapid IV administration can result in apnea, hypotension, bradycardia, or cardiac arrest. The intravenous infusion does not need to be discontinued prior to administering the medication. Giving Ativan over 30 minutes would not benefit the client who needs immediate treatment for status epilepticus.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3,4,5
Rationale 1: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can be obtained over the counter and does not need a prescription to obtain. It does promote getting to sleep.
Rationale 2: Valerian is an herbal product that does not need a prescription to obtain. It does promote getting to sleep.
Rationale 3: Rozerem is a newer, nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic approved to treat chronic insomnia in people who have problems falling asleep.
Rationale 4: Benzodiazepines are drugs of choice for generalized anxiety disorder and the short-term therapy of insomnia. Flurazepam (Dalmane) should be taken at bedtime because it quickly produces significant drowsiness.
Rationale 5: Ambien is a sedativehypnotic approved for short-term treatment of insomnia.
Global Rationale: Rozerem is a newer, nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic approved to treat chronic insomnia in people who have problems falling asleep. Benzodiazepines are drugs of choice for generalized anxiety disorder and the short-term therapy of insomnia. Flurazepam (Dalmane) should be taken at bedtime because it quickly produces significant drowsiness. Ambien is a sedativehypnotic approved for short-term treatment of insomnia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can be obtained over the counter and does not need a prescription to obtain. It does promote getting to sleep. Valerian is an herbal product that does not need a prescription to obtain. It does promote getting to sleep.

[Diane]

Both answers were spot on, thank you once again

[Jordin Calloway]

Great! Please up vote