The nurse is caring for a resident in a long-term care facility who is African American with a history of an anxiety disorder. The patient is receiving oral lorazepam (Ativan) 2 mg t.i.d

Question

When developing this patient's plan of care, what priority assessment will the nurse include? A) Depression
B) Extreme sedation
C) Phlebitis
D) Nightmares

Answer 1

B
Feedback:
Special care should be taken when anxiolytic or hypnotic drugs are given to African Americans. About 15% to 20% of African Americans are genetically predisposed to delayed metabolism of benzodiazepines. As a result, they may develop high serum levels of these drugs, with increased sedation and an increased incidence of adverse effects. Depression is not a common adverse effect. Phlebitis can occur at injection sites but this patient is taking the medication orally. Nightmares occur during drug withdrawal.