The patient received a preoperative dose of lorazepam (Ativan) 20 minutes ago. The safety precaution the nurse should take in regard to this drug is to:
raise bed rails.
take seizure precautions.
monitor respiratory status.
elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees.
The Correct Answer is C
A. raise bed rails: Bed rails may help safety but don’t address the main pharmacologic risk.
B. take seizure precautions: Lorazepam is an anticonvulsant in many settings, not a cause of seizures requiring routine seizure precautions.
C. monitor respiratory status: Benzodiazepines (lorazepam) can cause sedation and respiratory depression; when given preoperatively or for sedation, closely monitor respiratory rate/oxygenation and airway patency.
D. elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees: Elevating the head may be comfortable but is not the primary safety precaution for benzodiazepine-induced respiratory depression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Check the client's blood pressure: Before administering antihypertensives (calcium-channel blocker, beta blocker) and diuretics, assess blood pressure (and pulse) because these drugs can cause hypotension/bradycardia-vital-signs guide safe administration.
B. Double-check the healthcare provider (HCP) orders: Reasonable practice if orders are unclear, but routine double-checking is not the immediate priority when preparing to give BP-lowering meds -checking the patient’s vital signs is.
C. Contact the pharmacist to discuss the medication: Unnecessary as a first step unless there is a dosing/question/interaction concern; the nurse’s immediate pre-administration assessment should be vitals and allergies.
D. Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider (HCP) on rounds: Not appropriate as a routine action; hold/notify only if assessment (e.g., low BP or pulse) suggests unsafe administration.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Vitamin C deficiency: Antilipemic (statin) therapy does not cause vitamin C deficiency.
B. Neutropenia: Neutropenia is not a primary or common complication of statins/antilipemics.
C. Pulmonary problems: Pulmonary disease is not a characteristic complication of statin therapy.
D. Liver dysfunction: Statins (common antilipemic agents) can cause elevations in liver enzymes and, rarely, clinically significant liver injury -clinicians monitor liver function at baseline and as clinically indicated.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.