An elderly patient has been taking zolpidem (Ambien) as a sleep aid for the past 2 months. On admission to the assisted-living facility, it is determined that the drug is no longer needed
What is an important nursing consideration concerning this drug? A) Hallucinations are common.
B) The drug needs to be withdrawn gradually.
C) Another anxiolytic will need to be substituted.
D) Sundowning is common with withdrawal from this drug.
B
Feedback:
It is important for the nurse to understand that zolpidem must be withdrawn gradually over a 2-week period after prolonged use. If chloral hydrate is stopped suddenly, it will result in serious adverse effects. Hallucinations and sundowning are not common with withdrawal of the drug. The prescriber and the patient would determine the need for chloral hydrate to be substituted for another anxiolytic.
You might also like to view...
A patient with severe burns is admitted to the intensive care unit to stabilize and begin fluid resuscitation before transport to the burn center. The nurse should monitor the patient closely for what signs of the onset of burn shock?
A) Confusion B) High fever C) Decreased blood pressure D) Sudden agitation
You are caring for a 35-year-old male who has just been diagnosed with paralysis due to a sky diving accident that injured the spinal cord. How can you anticipate that the patient will react emotionally?
A) Go through all stages of grief in a week so he can adapt B) Progress sequentially through five stages of the grief process C) Need humor therapy D) Respond to grief in an individualistic manner
A person who is more future-oriented would be most likely to:
1. have difficulty dealing with chronic illness for which a complete cure is not known. 2. stay future-oriented throughout the life span. 3. have trouble dealing with present difficulties and inconveniences of illness. 4. comply with a treatment regimen that has uncertain benefits.
Secondary lines are used to infuse IV medications or compatible fluids on an intermittent basis through a
primary IV line. Indicate whether the statement is true or false