A Patient Has Taken Diazepam for 1 Week for Back

question 17

Multiple Choice

A patient has taken diazepam for 1 week for back spasms.The patient reports "feeling sleepy all the time." Which response will best address the patient's concern?

• A) "The dosage probably needs to be decreased."
• B) "Drowsiness indicates a paradoxical reaction to the drug."
• C) "Tolerance to the sedative effect of the drug will develop quickly."
• D) "Sleepiness is an unavoidable side effect of nonbenzodiazepine drugs."

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Definitions:

Neutral Solution

A solution of pH 7; there are equal concentrations of hydrogen ions [H+] and hydroxide ions [OH-]. Compare with acidic solution and basic solution.

Valence Electrons

The outermost electrons of an atom, which determine its chemical bonding properties.

Chemical Properties

Chemical properties are characteristics of a substance that determine how it interacts with other substances during chemical reactions, defining its composition and behavior.

Buffer

A solution that resists changes in pH when acid or alkali is added to it.