Diazepam nursing considerations

Anxiolytic–hypnotic medications like diazepam are used to soothe an individual with over-responses to environmental stress. These agents are called anxiolytics as they prevent fear. Also, they are referred to as sedatives (help feeling quiet and hypnotics (treat insomnia). These categories are very critical to administer and diazepam nursing considerations should be contemplated.

What’s diazepam?

Diazepam is an anxiolytic-hypnotic drug belonging to a group of chemically related drugs called benzodiazepines. This group of medicine works by enhancing some neurotransmitters in the brain which are responsible for the calming effects.

 

Indications

Diazepam is used in several cases:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Preoperative sedation
• Conscious sedation
• Management of seizures
• Treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms

 

Method of administration

– By mouth: tablets, capsules or oral solutions.

– Slow IV injection.

– IV infusion.

– Intramuscular injection: only given if both oral and IV routes are unavailable.

– Rectal (tubes and suppositories) if the patient shouldn’t take it orally.

 

Diazepam nursing considerations

Here are critical nursing considerations when administering this drug:

 

Nursing Assessment

The nurse should consider some issues while in conducting assessing the patient, taking history, etc:

 

Assess for the basic cautions and contraindications for this medication including drug allergies, psychosis, glaucoma, and other contraindications to prevent any unwanted complications.

 

Perform a detailed physical examination to create baseline data before the treatment journey begins. This assessment is critical for the evaluation of the therapy effectiveness, and to determine the occurrence of any adverse effects during valium drug therapy.

 

Scan results of laboratory tests (e.g. renal and liver functions tests, complete blood count (CBC), etc.) to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy and determine adverse effects occurrence. Also, monitoring lab results allow immediate treatment for any developing complications.

 

 

Administration precautions

These are important nursing interferences to be considered in the case of diazepam administration:

 

• Administer slowly diuretics intravenously to prevent severe changes in the body fluid and electrolytes.

 

• Do not mix the drug in solution with any other drugs to avoid possible dangerous drug-drug interactions.

 

• Keep patients who receive diazepam intravenously in bed for at least 3 hours to ensure patient safety.

 

• Monitor the patient’s vital signs carefully, hydration, electrolytes and weight to assess the drug therapy effectiveness.

 

• Monitor kidney and liver function for long-term use to detect dysfunction and to lower or discontinue diazepam if the kidney or liver has been injured.

 

• Provide safety measures like adequate lighting, protected beds, etc to prevent injuries.

 

• monitor the blood pressure, pulse and respiration in case of IV administration.

 

• Provide frequent sips of water for dry mouth.

 

• advise with enough fluids and food rich with fibre for constipation.

 

• Evaluate patient response and mental state.

 

Evaluation

One of the important diazepam nursing considerations is determining the effectiveness of the regimen. The factors that should be examined regularly are:

 

Observe patient response to the regimen based on the pointed indication like proper sleeping, controlled anxiety, etc.

 

Track any adverse effects such as hypotension, hepatic or renal dysfunction, etc.

 

Evaluate patient adherence to the drug regimen, ask him to name the drug, why it’s used, and possible important adverse effects.

 

Adverse effects

Like any other drug, valium could cause mild to serious side effects, these include:

Gastrointestinal:

Nausea

Abdominal pain

Bloody vomit

Black stools

 

Central nervous system:

Confusion

Agitation

Depression

Hyperexcitability

Irritability or bad mood

False thoughts and beliefs

Suicidal thoughts or acts

 

Urinary tract:

Difficult urination

Frequent urination

Decreased amount of urine

Dark urine

Loss of bladder control

 

Other effects:

Pale skin

Yellow eyes

Headache

Decreased appetite

Fast heartbeat

Fast or irregular breathing

 

Patient education

If you are using diazepam:

 

–  Tell your doctor about non-prescribed medications you intend to use and don’t start taking them before your doctor approves them.

 

– Don’t use any other psychoactive drugs unless prescribed.

 

– Avoid drinking alcohol.

 

– Do not use this medication for the stress of everyday life.

 

– Do not use it for more than four months as it may cause dependence unless directed by your doctor.

 

– Avoid taking bigger doses or more frequent doses than prescribed.

 

– May cause sleepiness, avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery or any other activities requiring attention.

 

– Do not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor to avoid harmful withdrawal symptoms.

 

– Stand up slowly and carefully as fainting may occur.

 

– Seek psychiatric help if you think you have suicidal thoughts or depression symptoms.

 

– Store securely, far from children.

 

Diazepam is a vital and critical drug and should be used with caution. Diazepam nursing considerations and inherent caring for the patient is a must.

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