Nursing Application: CNS Depressants

In reviewing benzodiazepine use in an elderly client, you anticipate: (Select all that apply.)

*Increased CNS depressive effects *Risk of low respiratory rate and excessive sedation

As the nurse caring for the patient taking a CNS Depressant, you are planning nursing interventions used to minimize some of the risks associated with this drug class, such as:​ (Select all that apply.)

*To avoid driving while taking this medication *Assistance with ambulation​

You are the nurse caring for Ed, a 51-year-old man with a history of hypertension, glaucoma, and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVTs). He has been prescribed a benzodiazepine. Based on your knowledge of Ed's medical history, this drug class and its possible contraindications and drug-drug interactions, you know that: ​ (Select all that apply.)​

*Verapamil and diltiazem are antihypertensives that cause a decrease in benzodiazepine metabolism. *Benzodiazepines are contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.​

You are the nurse caring for a patient who has been prescribed zolpidem, a hypnotic CNS Depressant. You plan to administer this medication at this time in order to maximize its sleep-inducing effectiveness 1._____________.

1. 30-60 minutes before bedtime

You are the nurse caring for Sara, a 25-year-old female patient for whom suvorexant is prescribed. Based on your knowledge of this medication, you are aware that she may experience 1.________________________

1. An increased risk for daytime sleepiness

A nurse is completing an assessment of a patient taking a CNS Depressant medication. The nurse will monitor for symptoms of CNS depression such as 1.____________ associated with the inhibition of nerve impulse transmission to the CNS.

1. Respiratory depression

You are the nurse caring for a patient taking pentobarbital, a short-acting barbiturate. Based on your knowledge of the indications for this medication, you know that this patient may have a history of 1._____________.

1. Seizures

In educating clients taking benzodiazepines with other CNS depressants, the nurse indicates this may put the client at risk for 1.______________.

1. Toxicity

You are the nurse caring for Stephanie, a 42-year-old woman for whom you are completing discharge instructions and patient teaching. She has been prescribed a nonbenzodiazepine. However, she mentioned to you during your conversation that she is allergic to acetylsalicylic acid. You tell Stephanie that those with an allergy to acetylsalicylic acid 1._________________________ nonbenzodiazepines.

1. are more likely to have an allergy to

When reviewing a client's medications for discharge, she asks you if she can continue to take kava for her insomnia. You understand that kava 1.______________.

1. causes CNS depression

You are caring for a patient for whom you have an order to administer a barbiturate. Based on your knowledge of this subclass and its contraindications, you check the patient's lab results to ensure that she 1._________________.

1. is not pregnant

You are the nurse caring for a 24-year-old patient who is recovering from a surgical procedure. He has recently been admitted to your unit from the post-anesthesia care unit and is recovering well and is tolerating drinking liquids. You were told in a report that he received diazepam for sedation during the procedure as an adjunct anesthetic to aid in intubation. You enter the room to check his vital signs and notice that his mom is handing him a drink she brought from home and notice that it is grapefruit juice. Based on your knowledge of this interaction, your first action is to:​

Assess his sedation level, respiratory effort, and vital signs.​

As the nurse caring for a patient taking a CNS Depressant. Which adverse effect does the nurse need to consider when assessing a client prescribed a CNS depressant?

Excessive sedation

Which of the following statements do you include in your patient's education regarding barbiturates in regard to his particular medical history?​

Include -This medication will likely make you feel dizzy and possibly fall down. -Do not drink alcohol because it will interact with this medication. -The MAOI you have been taking for depression interacts with this medication so your doctor is going to prescribe a different antidepressant for you. -The anticoagulant you are taking to prevent future Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVTs) is less effective due to this medication so let's discuss the symptoms of blood clots.​ Not include -When your seasonal allergies flare up, you can continue to take your over-the-counter antihistamine.​ -We will be decreasing your dose of the anticoagulant you take for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVTs) because this medication will cause a decrease in your platelet count and put you at risk for bleeding.​ -This medication may cause your blood pressure to decrease. -You will be taking this medication long-term which can lead to insomnia, so you may need to take an over-the-counter sleep aid.

You are caring for a patient taking a CNS Depressant. You are considering your plan of care for this patient based on the subjective and objective data you have collected, as well as your knowledge of this drug class. You choose the following as the priority focus for your nursing care:

Respiratory depression

The nurse is preparing discharge instructions for a client being sent home with a prescription for a benzodiazepine. Match the following instructions to the potential risks of this medication class.

Risk for injury -Avoid driving ​or operating heavy machinery May be higher risk for falls ​ Can cause confusion​ or memory loss​ Risk for sedation -Do not use with kava or valerian root Do not use with alcohol ​or opioids Do not use with sleep aids Risk for dependence -Do not stop taking abruptly after prolonged use​ Many CNS depressants are controlled substances