A patient who has been taking a benzodiazepine as a sleep aid for ...

[awywial]

A patient who has been taking a benzodiazepine as a sleep aid for several months wishes to stop taking the medication. The nurse will suggest that the patient taper the dose gradually to avoid which effect?
 
  a. Depression
  b. Hangover
  c. Hypnotic rebound
  d. Withdrawal

Question 2

The nurse is providing teaching for a patient who will begin taking zolpidem tartrate (Ambien) 10 mg at bedtime as a sleep aid. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
 
  a. I should take this medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
  b. I will take this medication within 30 minutes of bedtime.
  c. If this medication is not effective, I may increase the dose to 15 mg.
  d. Tolerance and drug dependence do not occur with this medication.

[ebenov]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Benzodiazepines cause tolerance which means that abrupt cessation can result in withdrawal symptoms such as tremors and muscle twitching. A hangover is residual drowsiness that occurs the day after taking a hypnotic.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Zolpidem is a nonbenzodiazepine sleep aid. It should be taken 30 minutes before desired sleep. Food decreases the absorption, so it should be taken on an empty stomach. The maximum dose is 10 mg. Tolerance and dependence may occur.