A patient has been admitted to the emergency department for an overdose of oral benzodiazepines. He is very drowsy but still responsive, with a respiration rate of 12 breaths per minute. The nurse will prepare for which immediate intervention?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Flumazenil (Romazicon), a benzodiazepine antidote, can be used to acutely reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. Hemodialysis is not useful for benzodiazepine overdose, and naloxone is used for opioid overdose, not benzodiazepine overdose. Intubation and mechanical ventilation are not appropriate because the patient is still responsive and breathing on his own.

A Patient Has Been Admitted to the Emergency Department for an Overdose