Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

Which medication is commonly used for seizure management within 5 minutes?

1. Lorazepam 2-4mg IV

2. Fentanyl 50-100mcg IV

3. Carbamazepine 200mg PO

4. Amiodarone 150mg IV

The correct answer is: Lorazepam 2-4mg IV

Lorazepam 2-4mg IV is commonly used for seizure management within 5 minutes due to its rapid onset of action and effectiveness in terminating active seizures. Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, facilitates the inhibitory action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system, leading to a quick cessation of seizure activity. Its intravenous formulation allows for immediate administration, making it suitable in emergency settings where prompt intervention is crucial for patient safety. Other medications listed, such as fentanyl, carbamazepine, and amiodarone, have different indications and timeframes for action. Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic and is primarily utilized for pain management, not for seizure control. Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant but is typically administered orally and takes longer to achieve therapeutic levels for seizure control. Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used for managing cardiac arrhythmias and is not indicated for seizure activity. Thus, lorazepam stands out as the most appropriate choice for immediate seizure management.