A nurse is working in the endoscopy lab. The nurse is preparing IV medications for the next patient scheduled for a colonoscopy. The nurse has prepared midazolam and fentanyl for IV administration during the procedure. The nurse should be alert for which potential side effects when administering midazolam?
Explanation
• Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used to reduce anxiety, provide sedation, and/or induce amnesia associated with medical procedures and surgery. It is often used in combination with anesthesia and opioid pain medication.
• Midazolam is a CNS (central nervous system) depressant, so side effects include decreased respirations and decreased blood pressure. It may also cause nausea and vomiting.
• Midazolam causes short term amnesia of medical procedures, so patients may believe that they underwent general anesthesia even if they only received moderate sedation.