A hospitalized patient who is given one dose of flurazepam continues to show drowsiness the next day. A nursing student asks the nurse the reason for this,because the drug's half-life is only 2 to 3 hours. Which response by the nurse is correct?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Flurazepam has a half-life of 2 to 3 hours; however,its metabolite has a long half-life,so giving the drug results in long-lasting effects. Barbiturates,not benzodiazepines,are commonly associated with residual,or hangover,effects. A paradoxical reaction to a sedative would manifest as insomnia,euphoria,and excitation,not drowsiness. Tolerance means that the patient would need increased amounts of a drug to get the desired effects and would not have prolonged effects of the medication.

A Hospitalized Patient Who Is Given One Dose of Flurazepam