What is the best response by the nurse when a family inquires about lorazepam (Ativan) for a client withdrawing from alcohol?

What is the best response by the nurse when a family inquires about lorazepam (Ativan) for a client withdrawing from alcohol?

• A. "Short-term use of lorazepam can lead to dependence."
• B. "The lorazepam will reduce the symptoms of withdrawal."
• C. "The lorazepam will make him forget about symptoms of withdrawal."
• D. "The lorazepam will also help with his heart disease."

Answer: (B)

The selection of the response stating that lorazepam will reduce the symptoms of withdrawal effectively addresses the family's inquiry about the medication's purpose in managing alcohol withdrawal. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that acts on the central nervous system to alleviate anxiety and agitation, which are common symptoms during alcohol withdrawal. By explaining that lorazepam specifically targets the symptoms of withdrawal, the nurse provides clear and accurate information about the role of the medication in the treatment process. This reassurance is crucial, as families often feel anxious and uncertain when a loved one is undergoing withdrawal. The remaining responses could lead to misunderstandings or fears. For instance, discussing dependency without context might alarm the family without explaining that this risk is primarily associated with long-term use rather than short-term management in a controlled setting. The option about making the patient forget symptoms misrepresents the therapeutic effect of lorazepam, where the goal is symptom management rather than amnesia. Lastly, suggesting lorazepam's efficacy in treating heart disease is misleading, as it is not typically indicated for such conditions and does not address the specific concern about alcohol withdrawal.

The selection of the response stating that lorazepam will reduce the symptoms of withdrawal effectively addresses the family's inquiry about the medication's purpose in managing alcohol withdrawal. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that acts on the central nervous system to alleviate anxiety and agitation, which are common symptoms during alcohol withdrawal.

By explaining that lorazepam specifically targets the symptoms of withdrawal, the nurse provides clear and accurate information about the role of the medication in the treatment process. This reassurance is crucial, as families often feel anxious and uncertain when a loved one is undergoing withdrawal.

The remaining responses could lead to misunderstandings or fears. For instance, discussing dependency without context might alarm the family without explaining that this risk is primarily associated with long-term use rather than short-term management in a controlled setting. The option about making the patient forget symptoms misrepresents the therapeutic effect of lorazepam, where the goal is symptom management rather than amnesia. Lastly, suggesting lorazepam's efficacy in treating heart disease is misleading, as it is not typically indicated for such conditions and does not address the specific concern about alcohol withdrawal.