A charge nurse is teaching a group of nurses about the antagonist action of medications. The nurse should include in the teaching that which of the following antagonist medications is used for benzodiazepines?

A. Insert the needle slowly and gently.

This statement is generally true for most injection techniques, including the Z-track method. Slow and gentle insertion helps minimize discomfort for the client and allows for better control over the needle's placement. However, the specific speed of insertion may vary depending on the nurse's technique and the client's skin condition.

B. Pull the skin 1.3 cm (1/2 inch) to the side.

This statement is correct. The Z-track technique involves pulling the skin laterally (to the side) by approximately 1.3 cm (1/2 inch) before inserting the needle. This lateral displacement of the skin creates a zigzag pathway for the medication, which helps prevent leakage or tracking of the medication along the injection site.

C. Aspirate for 5 to 10 seconds.

Aspiration, or pulling back on the plunger of the syringe after needle insertion, is not typically recommended for intramuscular injections, including those using the Z-track method. Aspiration may increase the risk of tissue trauma or damage to blood vessels. Since the Z-track technique is designed to minimize medication leakage into the subcutaneous tissue, aspiration is usually unnecessary.

D. Use a 45° angle of insertion.

The angle of insertion for the Z-track technique is typically 90 degrees (perpendicular) to the skin surface rather than 45 degrees. This angle allows for proper depth penetration into the muscle and ensures adequate delivery of the medication into the muscle tissue.

D. Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis is a neurological disorder caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, often resulting from chronic alcohol use disorder. Thiamine deficiency can lead to significant neurological impairments, including confusion, ataxia, and memory deficits characteristic of Wernicke's encephalopathy and Korsakoff's psychosis.

The primary intervention for Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis is the administration of thiamine supplementation. Thiamine replacement therapy is essential to prevent further neurological deterioration and to potentially reverse some of the cognitive deficits associated with the disorder.

The other options are not directly related to Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis:

A. Monitoring for the presence of esophageal varices is more relevant to complications of chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis, commonly seen in individuals with alcohol use disorder, but not specific to Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis.

B. Placing the client in protective isolation is not indicated for Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis. Protective isolation is typically used for clients with compromised immune systems to reduce the risk of infection.

C. Laboratory analysis of cardiac enzymes is typically performed to assess for myocardial injury or infarction, which is not directly associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis.