Final answer:
After administering Diazepam, it is important to watch for respiratory depression, which can manifest as slowed or shallow breathing and requires immediate medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
After administering Diazepam (Diastat), one should watch for respiratory depression, which is a potential side effect of this medication. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine, which is a type of sedative medication that can depress the central nervous system and in higher doses, can lead to slowed breathing. Monitoring the patient for signs of difficulty breathing, slow breaths, or shallow breathing is important. Respiratory depression can be a serious, potentially life-threatening condition if not recognized and treated promptly. While other side effects such as increased appetite, elevated blood pressure, and allergic reactions can occur with the use of various medications, respiratory depression is of particular concern with benzodiazepines.