The nurse is preparing to administer intravenous lorazepam (Ativan) to a client. Which nursing intervention is a priority following the parenteral administration of this medication?

1. Assess for drug interactions with other medications.
2. Instruct client to change positions slowly, especially from lying to standing.
3. Monitor for changes in respirations.
4. Assess for seizure activity.


Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Assessing for drug interactions with other medications should be completed prior to administering the medication.
Rationale 2: Changing position slowly, especially from lying down to standing, helps to prevent dizziness and possible falls, especially in the older adult. However, this is not the priority intervention when administering the medication.
Rationale 3: When providing this medication through the parenteral route, the client should be monitored for respiratory depression.
Rationale 4: Ativan is used for several off-label indications, including seizures. However, this is not the priority intervention when administering the medication.
Global Rationale: When providing this medication through the parenteral route, the client should be monitored for respiratory depression. Assessing for drug interactions with other medications should be completed prior to administering the medication. Changing position slowly, especially from lying down to standing, helps to prevent dizziness and possible falls, especially in the older adult. However, this is not the priority intervention when administering the medication. Ativan is used for several off-label indications, including seizures. However, this is not the priority intervention when administering the medication.

Nursing

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