Question

What are the nursing considerations for benzodiazepines? Explain the patient teaching for benzodiazepines.

Answer 1

The nursing considerations for benzodiazepines based on its side effects include educating the patient about;

Drowsiness; Avoid tasks that require alertness, motor skills until a response to the drug is established

Dizziness: Fall precautions, assist with ambulation

CNS Depression: Patients should be instructed to avoid alcohol, give 15 to 30 minutes before bedtime for maximum effectiveness in inducing sleep, keep side rails up, assist patients with ambulation, obtain baseline vital signs

Ataxia; assist with ambulation, use of physical and occupational therapy

Sedative; keep side rails up or use bed alarms, monitor side effects, keep call light within reach

Reduced motor coordination; Fall precautions, assist with ambulation.

The patient should be educated about all the side effects and the course of action due to side effects.