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Blood pressure 120/80 mmHg:This is a normal blood pressure reading and does not contraindicate lorazepam administration.

Patient reports headache:While a headache can occur with anxiety or medication use, it is not an immediate contraindication to administering lorazepam.

Temperature of 37.2°C (98.9°F):
This is within normal limits and does not influence lorazepam safety or effectiveness.

Sertraline:This is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for long-term management of anxiety disorders, but it takes several weeks to become effective and is not appropriate for acute relief.

Buspirone:Although buspirone treats chronic anxiety, it has a delayed onset (typically 1–2 weeks) and lacks sedative properties, so it's not suitable for acute panic situations.

Hydroxyzine:
This antihistamine has anxiolytic and sedative effects, but its onset is slower and it is less reliable than benzodiazepines for rapidly stopping a panic attack.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome:This is associated with antipsychotic medications and presents with muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, and altered consciousness, but not typically with twitching or serotonergic drug use.

Discontinuation syndrome:Occurs when SSRIs are abruptly stopped, leading to flu-like symptoms, insomnia, imbalance, and sensory disturbances, rather than fever, agitation, or twitching.

Anticholinergic toxicity:
Involves dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision, hyperthermia, and delirium, but does not usually include muscle twitching or relate to SSRI use.

"I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication.":This reflects proper understanding. Alcohol can increase CNS depression and interfere with the medication’s therapeutic effects.

"It might take several weeks before I feel better.":This is accurate. SSRIs like fluoxetine often take 2 to 4 weeks to show noticeable improvements in mood.

"I may experience nausea or insomnia at first.":
This is correct. Early side effects of SSRIs include GI upset and sleep disturbances, which often diminish over time.

Sertraline:This SSRI is commonly used for social anxiety and does not pose a respiratory risk, making it a safe option for patients with asthma.

Buspirone:Buspirone is non-sedating and lacks respiratory effects, making it suitable for anxiety in patients with asthma.

When selecting anxiolytic medications for patients with comorbid conditions, nurses must evaluate potential contraindications and respiratory risks. Beta-blockers like propranolol are sometimes used off-label for performance-related social anxiety, but their non-selective beta-blocking effect can exacerbate bronchospasm in patients with asthma