Name of the Procedure:

Injection of Lorazepam, 2 mg
Common Name(s): Lorazepam Injection
Technical/Medical Term: HCPCS Code J2060

Summary

Lorazepam injection is a medical procedure where a pre-measured dose of 2 mg of lorazepam is administered to the patient via an injection. Lorazepam is a type of benzodiazepine that helps to calm the brain and nerves.

Purpose

Medical Conditions Addressed: Anxiety, seizures, and certain types of sedation
Goals/Expected Outcomes: To provide quick relief from severe anxiety or acute agitation, prevent or stop seizures, and to sedate a patient for a procedure or treatment.

Indications

Symptoms/Conditions: Severe anxiety, acute agitation, seizures, pre-procedural sedation
Patient Criteria: Patients experiencing extreme anxiety or seizures, patients needing sedation for medical procedures, or patients as assessed and prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Preparation

Pre-procedure Instructions:

• Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies or adverse reactions to medications.
• Review your current medication list with your healthcare provider to avoid interactions.
• Fasting is generally not required unless coupled with a procedure that demands it. Diagnostic Tests/Assessments:
• Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory assessments might be performed beforehand.
• Review of patient’s medical history and medication usage.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Assessment: Medical staff conduct a brief assessment to confirm the indication for the injection.
2. Preparation: The healthcare provider prepares the syringe with 2 mg of lorazepam.
3. Injection: The injection site (typically the muscle in the arm or thigh) is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
4. Administration: Lorazepam is injected slowly into the muscle or vein. Tools/Equipment: Syringe, antiseptic wipes, lorazepam medication. Anesthesia/Sedation: The procedure itself does not typically require additional anesthesia or sedation.

Duration

The injection procedure itself takes a few minutes, though monitoring afterward may take additional time.

Setting

Typically performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or emergency setting.

Personnel

Healthcare Professionals Involved: Nurses, physicians, or trained medical personnel can administer the injection.

Risks and Complications

Common Risks: Soreness at the injection site, dizziness, drowsiness.
Rare Risks: Allergic reactions, respiratory depression, changes in blood pressure, confusion.
Management: Monitoring and symptomatic treatment of side effects; emergency protocols are in place for severe reactions.

Benefits

Expected Benefits: Immediate relief of anxiety or agitation, cessation of seizures, effective sedation for procedures.
Realization Time: Benefits are typically felt within minutes to an hour after the injection.

Recovery

Post-Procedure Care: Monitoring for adverse effects for a short period. Avoid driving or operating machinery for 24 hours.
Restrictions: Follow specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
Follow-up: Usually not necessary unless complications occur or for assessment of further treatment needs.

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options: Oral lorazepam, other benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics, psychotherapy for anxiety.
Pros and Cons: Oral lorazepam takes longer to act compared to injection but is easier to administer. Non-benzodiazepine treatments have different side-effect profiles.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure: A slight prick or stinging sensation at the injection site.
After the Procedure: Possible drowsiness, dizziness, and mild soreness at the injection site.
Pain Management/Comfort Measures: Application of a cold pack for soreness, rest, and hydration.