Since I am so new in this profession, just graduated, passed the NCLEX and my 4th.day on the floor, I know I got tons to learn.
My question is in connection to my previous post about the hospice pt.that i have. He has an order for ativan .5 mg 2 tabs q hs, this was ordered because of his severe agitation few weeks ago. it helped, he was calm and less anxious. Now another order came 2 days ago for fentanyl patch 12 mcg q 72 hrs... since we started the patch a day ago, he was very lethargic and looks very sedated. My question is, do i still have to give the routine ativan? I am so not comfortable giving it but i have to give it otherwise, what would be my reason of holding it? can i call the hospice nurse and discuss this? how should i tell it?
It is absolutely ok to hold the lorazepam. If the Fentanyl patch is a new med for this patient, it will take him some time to get used to this med. Even though 12mcg is a low dose of Fentanyl, it is still a very potent pain med.
nursey nurse nurse
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It is absolutely ok to hold the lorazepam. If the Fentanyl patch is a new med for this patient, it will take him some time to get used to this med. Even though 12mcg is a low dose of Fentanyl, it is still a very potent pain med.