A labor and delivery nurse is caring for a 24-year-old patient who just gave birth to an infant after a prolonged, difficult delivery with significant blood loss. The patient is now having severe tremors in the extremities. The doctor ordered 2 mg of Valium (diazepam) to be given IV push stat. The nurse knows in this situation diazepam is effective for which of the following?
Explanation
• Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine for short-term use only due to its extended action.
• While diazepam may be used for anxiety, it can also be used as a muscle relaxant for muscle spasms and tremors.
• Diazepam is also used for status epilepticus and refractory seizures.