The client's spouse reports that the last time the client received lorazepam (Ativan) before receiving chemotherapy, the client didn't remember the drive home. What is the nurse's best action?
A. Hold the dose of lorazepam for this round of chemotherapy until the client is seen by the physician.
B. Explain to the client and spouse that this is a normal response to the drug and that the client shouldn't drive home.
C. Perform a Mini-Mental Status Examination and assess the client's pupillary ref-lexes before administering the lorazepam.
D. Document the response as the only action.
B
Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, induces sedation and amnesia in addition to having antiemetic ef-fects. Many clients have little if any memory about events occurring within a few hours after re-ceiving lorazepam. This is an expected side effect and does not denote any permanent reduced cognition in the client. Both the client and the spouse should be aware of this effect so that the client is not at risk for injury. Driving, cooking, or operating mechanical equipment should not be performed until the drug's effects have worn off.
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