Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 76%
Simulated
The nurse is teaching a client about lorazepam. The nurse should instruct the client to expect which of the following side effects?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Dizziness. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly associated with central nervous system depressant effects, including dizziness. This side effect occurs due to the drug's impact on the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, leading to sedative and calming effects. Hypertension (A) is not a common side effect of lorazepam; tinnitus (B) is more associated with ototoxic medications; metallic taste (C) is not a typical side effect of lorazepam. In summary, dizziness is the expected side effect due to lorazepam's mechanism of action, while the other choices are less likely to occur.