Which statement about sedatives is accurate?
a. Sedatives and opioids sometimes are administered together, which can lead to central nervous system depression.
b. Sedatives and opioids sometimes are administered together, which can lead to central nervous system stimulation.
c. Sedatives can lead to hypertension when used inappropriately.
d.Sedatives can lead to hyperactivity when used inappropriately.
Answer to Quiz Time: a. Sedatives and opioids are sometimes administered together, with a synergistic effect that leads to central nervous system depression. Inappropriate sedative use can cause oversedation, lethargy, hypotension, and delirium.
Learn more by reading the continuing nursing education article “Preventing high-alert medication errors in hospital patients.”