Generic Name lorazepam

Trade Name Ativan

Peak 15-20 min

Onset 15-30 min

Classification Dose Route Benzodiazepines antianxiety agents, sedative/hypnotics Duration Normal dosage range 8-12 hr 44 mcg/kg (not to exceed 2 mg)

Time/frequency

Why is your patient getting this medication Aggravation and pain

For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions Dilute immediately before use with an equal amount of sterile water, D5W, or 0.9% NaCl for injection. : Administer direct IV, through Y-site at a rate of 2 mg over 1 min,or 0.05 mg/kg over 2-5 min. Rapid IV administration may result in apnea, hypotension, bradycardia, or cardiac arrest. Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on) (Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions Depresses the CNS, probably by potentiating Hypersensitivity, Cross-sensitivity with other GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. benzodiazepines may exist. Lower doses recommended for geriatric or debilitated patients. Common side effects Dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, apnea, cardiac arrest. Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or Lab value alterations caused by medicine herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) Patients on high-dose therapy should receive routine Additive CNS depression with other CNS evaluation of renal, hepatic, and hematologic function. depressants including alcohol. Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication May cause drowsiness or dizziness Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation (Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving Assess degree and manifestations of med? Decrease in subjective anxiety prior to and periodically Troublesome occurrence of adverse feelings of anxiety without throughout therapy side effects excessive sedation. Effective pain management.