Intended & Unintended Effects
Intended Effects |
Unintended Effects |
On-label - used for anxiety, seizure disorders, muscle spasms, premedication for medical procedures and anesthesia (Adams, Holland, & Urban, 2016). |
Addiction - including the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep without them and withdraw symptoms that can accompany abrupt discontinuation (Adams, Holland, & Urban, 2016). |
Off label - used for alcohol withdraw (Adams, Holland, & Urban, 2016). |
Tolerance - Long term use can lead to tolerance and require higher doses to achieve the same effects (Adams, Holland, & Urban, 2016). |
Priority Assessments
Medication and
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Pregnancy and AdministrationA pregnancy category D drug, so pre-evaluation of pregnancy in female clients and administration considerations when prescribed to these clients (Adams, Holland, & Urban, 2016).
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LOC and Respiratory Depression (Overdose) Rapid onset when given parenterally, so the client should be monitored for CNS effects and respiratory depression. e.g. amnesia, weakness, disorientation, ataxia, sleep disturbance, blood pressure changes, blurred vision, double vision, nausea, and vomiting. (Adams, Holland, & Urban, 2016).
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