The nurse works with a physician who frequently prescribes benzodiazepines. The use of benzodiazepines in which patient would cause the nurse the most concern?
1. An 87-year-old patient who uses a cane for ambulation
2. A 9-year-old child with panic attacks
3. A 42-year-old businessman who travels internationally
4. A 32-year-old mother of two preschool children
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Benzodiazepines should be used with caution in elderly patients. Elderly patients are at highest risk because their metabolism and excretion is slowed; and there is a higher potential for overdose and sedation. There have been few studies of benzodiazepine use in the pediatric population; benzodiazepines must be used with caution, but these patients are not at as high risk as the elderly population. There is minimal concern with benzodiazepine use in a 32-year-old patient. There is minimal concern with benzodiazepine use in a 42-year-old patient.
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