Final answer:
When planning nursing care for a client undergoing benzodiazepine withdrawal, the highest priority is to ensure client safety and stabilization by reducing withdrawal symptoms through carefully monitored substitution therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The highest priority expected outcome statement when planning nursing care for a client receiving substitution therapy during withdrawal from benzodiazepines is to ensure the safety and stabilization of the client. The client should experience a reduction in withdrawal symptoms, which can include increased arousal and agitation following sedative dependence. These symptoms are generally the opposite of the sedative effects the drugs once provided. With substitution therapy, a longer-acting, less euphoria-inducing medication such as a benzodiazepine of a different class or a non-benzodiazepine medication that targets similar neurotransmitter systems may be used to gradually taper the drug dependency and minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Substitution therapy must be carefully monitored to manage and mitigate the risks associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal, which can include rebound anxiety, seizures, and other physical and psychological symptoms. The ultimate goal of substitution therapy is to wean the client off the benzodiazepines while maintaining physiological stability and preventing severe withdrawal effects that can be life-threatening.