A patient who is undergoing withdrawal of mechanical ventilation appears anxious and agitated. The patient is on a continuous morphine infusion and has an additional order for lorazepam (Ativan) 1 to 2 mg IV as needed (prn)
The patient has received no lorazepam (Ativan) during this course of illness. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention to control agitation? a. Administer fentanyl (Duragesic) 25 mg IV bolus.
b. Administer lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg IV now.
c. Increase the rate of the morphine infusion by 50%.
d. Request an order for a paralytic agent.
B
Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg IV is an appropriate loading dose for a patient who is benzodiazepine naïve and experiencing agitation during withdrawal of life support. Fentanyl treats pain and morphine controls pain. Paralytic agents are not warranted.
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