The patient has been taking lorazepam (Ativan) for 2 years. The patient stopped this medication after a neighbor said the drug manufacturer's plant was contaminated with rat droppings
What best describes the nurse's assessment of the patient when seen 3 days after stopping his medication?
1. Increased heart rate, fever, and muscle cramps
2. Nothing different; it is safe to abruptly stop lorazepam (Ativan)
3. Pinpoint pupils, constipation, and urinary retention
4. A sense of calmness and lack of anxiety
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Many central nervous system (CNS) depressants can cause physical and psychological dependence. The withdrawal syndrome for some central nervous system (CNS) depressants can include fever, seizures, increased pulse, anorexia, muscle cramps, disorientation, etc. It is not safe to abruptly stop lorazepam (Ativan); withdrawal symptoms will occur. Pinpoint pupils, constipation, and urinary retention are signs of opioid use. The patient would be anxious, not calm, during benzodiazepine withdrawal.
You might also like to view...
An older adult patient has a complex medical history that includes heart failure, type 1 diabetes, and diabetic nephropathy
The nurse has questioned a care provider's order for oral spironolactone because the patient's health problems would contribute to a high risk of A) metabolic acidosis. B) hypocalcemia. C) hemolytic anemia. D) hyperkalemia.
The nurse is teaching a patient about her chest drainage system. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply
a. Perform frequent coughing and deep-breathing exercises. b. Sit up in a chair but do not walk while the drainage system is in place. c. Get out of bed without assistance as often as possible. d. Immediately notify the nurse if she experiences increased shortness of breath.
A manager has a nurse who has missed several scheduled shifts. Which action by the manager would be appropriate?
1. Determine the number of hours missed per pay period. 2. Determine the frequency and time period of the absences. 3. Determine the nature of the absences. 4. #staff as to the nature of the nurse?s absences.
Janice Majors is a nurse at an urban high school. Periodically, Janice helps one of the teachers conduct classes on parenting skills. In these classes she focuses on child health promotion and
believes that it is important to tell students that after their first year of life, the leading cause of death of children is: 1. Accidental injuries. 2. Cancer. 3. Child abuse. 4. Infectious disease. 5. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).