An 80-year-old patient who complains of feeling "anxious" is given lorazepam.The patient becomes agitated and delirious.The nurse documents this reaction to Ativan as which of the following?
A)Toxicity
B)Side effect
C)Idiosyncratic reaction
D)Allergic reaction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Medications often cause unpredictable effects such as an idiosyncratic reaction,in which a patient overreacts or underreacts to a medication or has a reaction different from normal.Predicting which patients will have an idiosyncratic response is impossible.For example,Ativan,an antianxiety medication,when given to an older adult,may cause agitation and delirium.Toxic effects develop after prolonged intake of a medication,when a medication accumulates in the blood because of impaired metabolism or excretion,or when too high a dose is given.Side effects are predictable and often unavoidable secondary effects produced at a usual therapeutic drug dose.Allergic reactions are unpredictable responses to a medication.The medication acts as an antigen,and this causes antibodies to be produced.With repeated administration,the patient develops an allergic response.Sudden constriction of bronchiolar muscles,edema of the pharynx and larynx,severe wheezing,and shortness of breath are characteristic of severe or anaphylactic reactions.Some patients become severely hypotensive,necessitating emergency resuscitation measures.Anaphylaxis is potentially fatal.

An 80-Year-Old Patient Who Complains of Feeling "Anxious" Is Given