A 73-year-old patient diagnosed with vascular dementia is admitted for exacerbation of asthma.The patient has been treated for 2 years with benzodiazepines to manage her increasingly aggressive behavior.The nurse's initial response is to:
A)identify the patient as being at high risk for falls.
B)monitor the patient for signs of benzodiazepine withdrawal.
C)notify the admitting physician immediately.
D)place the patient on strict intake and output.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines should be reserved for acute situations and not used for the long-term management of troubling behaviors.Long-term use can precipitate withdrawal if use is stopped and can possibly cause seizures.The nurse should notify the physician immediately so that plans for safely discontinuing the drug can be made.

A 73-Year-Old Patient Diagnosed with Vascular Dementia Is Admitted for Exacerbation