Which of the following is a common nursing intervention for benzodiazepines?

Monitoring respirations is a critical nursing intervention for patients who are prescribed benzodiazepines because these medications can cause respiratory depression, particularly in high doses or when combined with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol or opioids. Benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), resulting in sedative effects that can slow down breathing. By closely monitoring a patient’s respiratory rate and effort, nurses can identify any potential respiratory distress early and intervene promptly, ensuring patient safety.

In contrast, while monitoring blood pressure is important in various clinical situations, it is not specifically linked to benzodiazepine use in the same direct manner as respiratory monitoring. Blood pressure may fluctuate due to other underlying conditions or medications, but respiratory complications pose an immediate and significant risk that warrants vigilant observation when administering benzodiazepines. Monitoring glucose levels is typically relevant to patients with diabetes or those on specific medications like insulin, so it is not a common intervention associated with benzodiazepine therapy. Similarly, monitoring for signs of infection is essential in various nursing scenarios but is not particularly pertinent to the effects or management of benzodiazepines.