RN Exam Practice
Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 564 of 2368

A nurse is giving lorazepam intravenously. Which action is the priority?

  1. Ensure airway patency and monitor respirations closely
  2. Check the client's blood glucose before and after the dose
  3. Monitor closely for a sustained increase in blood pressure
  4. Check the client's serum lithium level before the dose
Show answer

Correct answer: Ensure airway patency and monitor respirations closely

Respiratory depression is the most important risk of IV lorazepam, so the airway and breathing must be watched.

Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Central Nervous System: Benzodiazepines. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026