Questions and Answers
What is the classification of Librium (chlordiazepoxide)?
The dose range for anxiety is ______ mg, 3 to 4 times daily.
5-25
Librium depresses the CNS by potentiating GABA.
True
List one therapeutic use of Librium.
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Match the following side effects with their descriptions:
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Which of the following are medication/food interactions of Librium? (Select all that apply)
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What nursing intervention is important for a patient taking Librium?
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It is safe to suddenly cease taking Librium without consulting a healthcare provider.
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What is one evaluation criterion of medication effectiveness for Librium?
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Study Notes
Drug Classification
- Anxiolytic medication used primarily for anxiety relief.
- Classified as a benzodiazepine, a group known for its calming effects.
Dose Range
- For alcohol withdrawal, oral doses range from 50-100 mg, with a maximum of 400 mg per day.
- For anxiety management, prescribed doses range from 5-25 mg, taken 3 to 4 times a day.
Pharmacological Action
- Acts on multiple levels of the central nervous system (CNS) to produce anxiolytic effects.
- Depresses CNS activity, likely by enhancing the action of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve transmission.
Therapeutic Uses
- Utilized for sedation purposes.
- Adjunct treatment in anxiety management.
- Effective in managing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including delirium tremens (DTs).
- Provides additional support for anxiety associated with acute myocardial infarction.
Side Effects/Adverse Effects
- Potential CNS depression leading to oversedation.
- Common side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, hunger, headache, blurred vision.
- Other adverse effects may include mental depression, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, weight gain, and dry mouth.
Medication/Food Interactions
- Alcohol consumption can intensify the drug's effects.
- Interactions with antidepressants, antihistamines, opioid analgesics, and oral contraceptives.
- May cause sexual dysfunction and interactions with caffeine.
Nursing Interventions/Client Education
- Important to take medication exactly as prescribed.
- Avoid sudden discontinuation to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
- Encourage increased fluid and fiber intake to mitigate constipation.
- Caution against driving or operating heavy machinery due to possible drowsiness.
- Support measures to prevent falls due to dizziness; advise changing positions slowly to avoid postural hypotension.
- Suggest sugar-free beverages or hard candy for dry mouth relief.
Nursing Administration (Concerns)
- Monitor anxiety levels and sedation status regularly.
- Special attention for geriatric patients to assess fall risk.
- For alcohol withdrawal cases, watch for tremors, agitation, delirium, and hallucinations.
- Implement injury prevention measures; establish seizure precautions during withdrawal.
- Assess complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests as part of ongoing monitoring.
Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness
- Notable decrease in anxiety levels indicates effective treatment.
- Improved coping abilities and rational thought processes when used for alcohol withdrawal.
- Reduced severity of withdrawal symptoms, including DTs.
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Description
This quiz provides key information about Librium, including its drug classification, dose range, pharmacological actions, and therapeutic uses. Perfect for students and professionals looking to deepen their understanding of this anxiolytic medication.
