Question

The nurse is caring for a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Why will the nurse question an order for a benzodiazepine prescribed by the health care provider?

a) It may cause sedation.
b) It may increase the pain.
c) It increases anxiety levels.
d) It causes a hypotensive effect.

Answer 1

The nurse would question an order for a benzodiazepine prescribed for a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) because benzodiazepines can cause sedation and increase the risk of respiratory depression.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would question an order for a benzodiazepine prescribed for a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) because benzodiazepines can cause sedation and increase the risk of respiratory depression.

Increased sedation could further depress the central nervous system and potentially worsen the patient's intracranial pressure. Additionally, benzodiazepines may have muscle relaxant effects, which can lead to decreased muscle tone and further compromise the patient's ability to maintain airway patency.

Therefore, it is important for the nurse to question the order and consider alternative medications that do not have these sedative and muscle relaxant effects.