A patient has been prescribed lorazepam (Ativan), a ...

[HudsonKB16]

A patient has been prescribed lorazepam (Ativan), a benzodiazepine used to treat insomnia. Which action will the nurse take?
 
  a. Advise the patient to take the medication with food.
  b. Assess the patient's blood pressure in sitting and lying positions.
  c. Inform the patient to discontinue the medication once sleep improves.
  d. Instruct the patient to lie down before taking the medication.

Question 2

The nurse is explaining the use of medications to a patient with insomnia. Which statement about sedatives is true?
 
  a. A sedative will produce sleep.
  b. Sedatives increase the total time in REM sleep.
  c. Increased relaxation occurs with sedatives.
  d. Sedatives are more potent than hypnotics.

[whitcassie]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Measuring blood pressure in sitting and lying positions is important to assess for transient hypotension. Ativan does not have to be taken with food. Rapid discontinuance of the medication after long-term use may result in symptoms similar to those of alcohol withdrawal. Gradual withdrawal of benzodiazepines is over 2 to 4 weeks. Medications should be taken sitting up.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
A hypnotic is a drug that produces sleep; a sedative quiets the patient and gives a feeling of relaxation and rest, not necessarily accompanied by sleep. Sedatives do not increase the total time in REM sleep. A small dose of a drug may act as a sedative, whereas a larger dose of the same drug may act as a hypnotic and produce sleep.

[HudsonKB16]

Thanks

[whitcassie]

Welcome