NURS 3365 - Pharmacology in Nursing Practice: Psychotherapeutic Drug
1 Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Anxiety: correct answer Relaxation
techniques like deep breathing, guided imagery, and music, psychotherapy, and
support groups.
Should be used before starting anxiolytics or in conjunction with anxiolytics.
1. Benzodiazepines: Indications: correct
answer Insomnia Anxiety
Seizures
Muscle spasms
Status epilepticus
Anesthesia
2. Examples of Benzodiazepines: correct answer
Alprazolam (Xanax) Lorazepam (Ativan)
Diazepam (Valium)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Flurazepam (Dalmane)
Triazolam (Halcion)
Oxazepam (Serax)
,3. "-pam" and "-lam": correct answer Benzodiazepines
4. Benzodiazepines: MOA: Depress CNS activity; thought to stimulate GABA re-
ceptors in the brain (main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the brain).
5. Benzodiazepines: Contraindications: correct
answer Allergy Pregnancy
Narrow-angle glaucoma
6. Benzodiazepines: Side Effects: correct
answer Drowsiness Dizziness
Cognitive impairment
Lethargy
Amnesia
Confusion
"Hangover"
7. Benzodiazepines: Interactions: correct answer Other CNS depressants (cause
increased se- dation effects)
Valerian root
Kava kava
Grapefruit (prolongs effects of benzodiazepine)
8. Benzodiazepines: Toxicity and Management: correct answer Toxicity is more
,likely to happen if pt is taking other CNS depressants such as alcohol, opioids, or
barbiturates.
Treatment is symptomatic and supportive; antidote is flumazenil, though it's not
, commonly used due to risk of seizures - it's most likely to be used for anesthesia
reversal.
9. Nursing Process: Assessment - Benzodiazepines: correct answer Obtain
drug history - look for use of kava kava, valerian root, alcohol, or other CNS
depressants; does the pt drink grapefruit juice?
Vital signs; look for low BP and at HR and RR.
Look at renal function (BUN, creatinine levels).
Assess past medical history and any previous use of benzodiazepines, pt's preg-
nancy status; look for narrow-angle glaucoma.
Assess pt for anxiety, suicidal thoughts or ideations, history of self harm.
10. Nursing Process: Diagnosis - Benzodiazepines: correct answer Anxiety
11. Nursing Process: Planning - Benzodiazepines: correct answer Ultimately
depends on why the pt is being prescribed a benzodiazepine. Could be: pt is free
from injuring on benzodiazepine (accidental or purposeful).
Pt experiences less anxiety.
12. Nursing Process: Implementation - Benzodiazepines: correct answer Bed
alarm is in use (especially for older pts and pts taking benzodiazepines for the
first time). Monitor vital signs (BP/HR/RR).
Monitor renal function (UO, BUN, creatinine levels).
1 Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Anxiety: correct answer Relaxation
techniques like deep breathing, guided imagery, and music, psychotherapy, and
support groups.
Should be used before starting anxiolytics or in conjunction with anxiolytics.
1. Benzodiazepines: Indications: correct
answer Insomnia Anxiety
Seizures
Muscle spasms
Status epilepticus
Anesthesia
2. Examples of Benzodiazepines: correct answer
Alprazolam (Xanax) Lorazepam (Ativan)
Diazepam (Valium)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Flurazepam (Dalmane)
Triazolam (Halcion)
Oxazepam (Serax)
,3. "-pam" and "-lam": correct answer Benzodiazepines
4. Benzodiazepines: MOA: Depress CNS activity; thought to stimulate GABA re-
ceptors in the brain (main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the brain).
5. Benzodiazepines: Contraindications: correct
answer Allergy Pregnancy
Narrow-angle glaucoma
6. Benzodiazepines: Side Effects: correct
answer Drowsiness Dizziness
Cognitive impairment
Lethargy
Amnesia
Confusion
"Hangover"
7. Benzodiazepines: Interactions: correct answer Other CNS depressants (cause
increased se- dation effects)
Valerian root
Kava kava
Grapefruit (prolongs effects of benzodiazepine)
8. Benzodiazepines: Toxicity and Management: correct answer Toxicity is more
,likely to happen if pt is taking other CNS depressants such as alcohol, opioids, or
barbiturates.
Treatment is symptomatic and supportive; antidote is flumazenil, though it's not
, commonly used due to risk of seizures - it's most likely to be used for anesthesia
reversal.
9. Nursing Process: Assessment - Benzodiazepines: correct answer Obtain
drug history - look for use of kava kava, valerian root, alcohol, or other CNS
depressants; does the pt drink grapefruit juice?
Vital signs; look for low BP and at HR and RR.
Look at renal function (BUN, creatinine levels).
Assess past medical history and any previous use of benzodiazepines, pt's preg-
nancy status; look for narrow-angle glaucoma.
Assess pt for anxiety, suicidal thoughts or ideations, history of self harm.
10. Nursing Process: Diagnosis - Benzodiazepines: correct answer Anxiety
11. Nursing Process: Planning - Benzodiazepines: correct answer Ultimately
depends on why the pt is being prescribed a benzodiazepine. Could be: pt is free
from injuring on benzodiazepine (accidental or purposeful).
Pt experiences less anxiety.
12. Nursing Process: Implementation - Benzodiazepines: correct answer Bed
alarm is in use (especially for older pts and pts taking benzodiazepines for the
first time). Monitor vital signs (BP/HR/RR).
Monitor renal function (UO, BUN, creatinine levels).
