Written Assignment

Define anxiety, sedation, and hypnosis, Give an example of when each of these states is desirable and it is undesirable. ( 1 Learning Objective )

Discuss concerns with the use of anxiolytic orhypnotic drugs in children, adults and elder adults. Identify special risk favtors for each age group.( 3Learning Objective )

Compare and contrast diazepam to the three other benzodiazepines. Discuss any significant similarities and differences related to therapeutic action, pharmacokinetices, contraindications, most coomon adverse reaction and important drug-drug interactions.

Compare and contrast phenobarbital to the three other barbiturates, Discuss any significant similarities and differences related to therapeutic action, phamacokinetics, contraindiacation, most common adverse reactions and important drug-drug interactions.

Develop a teching plan for a patient using zolpidem (Ambien) for sleep. include nonpharmacologic measures in the plan.

Group Assignments

Construct a table listing the therapeutic actions, pharmacokinetices, contraindiation, most common adverse reactions, and important drug-drug interaction associated with each class of anxiolytic or hypnotic agent: benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Are the benzodiazepines or the barbiturates more desirable?

List three other drugs used for anxiety or sleep that are not classified as benzodiazepines or barbiturates. List the therapeutic action, indication, pharmacokinetics contraindication, most common adverse reaction and important drug-drug interactions for each of these medications

Clinical Assignment

Select a patient in the clinical setting who is receiving an anxiolytic or hypnotic drug. Develop a teaching plan for the patient. What nursing considerations must you consider when using this medication in the patient?