Pharmacological Review of Benzodiazepines
Tracking # 20-1323234
$24.99
What you'll learn
Upon completion of this course, learners will have met the following learning objectives:
- Describe the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines at the GABAA receptor, including the role of a and ¿ subunits in modulating inhibitory neurotransmission.
- Differentiate benzodiazepines based on their pharmacokinetic properties—lipophilicity, metabolic pathway, half-life, and presence of active metabolites—and explain how they influence onset, duration, and clinical effect.
- Analyze clinical scenarios to determine the safest benzodiazepine choice for clients with hepatic or renal impairment, considering both metabolism and elimination pathways.
- Evaluate the risks and benefits of benzodiazepine therapy in various populations—including older adults, pregnant or breastfeeding clients, and individuals with substance use disorders—while applying evidence-based prescribing principles.
- Develop individualized prescribing and monitoring plans that minimize the risk of dependence, withdrawal, and adverse drug interactions, particularly with other central nervous system depressants such as opioids or alcohol.
Course overview
This course provides an in-depth exploration of benzodiazepines, a class of lipophilic Schedule IV agents essential in acute and select chronic conditions such as seizure control, procedural sedation, severe anxiety, and alcohol withdrawal. Learners will examine the mechanisms of action of GABAA receptors, receptor subunit selectivity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenomic considerations that influence drug choice, dosing, and duration. The curriculum addresses therapeutic indications, routes of administration, metabolic pathways, and the impact of hepatic or renal impairment, while recognizing risk mitigation for dependence, withdrawal, and life-threatening interactions with other CNS depressants. Through a case study and evidence-based guidance, participants will develop the skills to select the most appropriate benzodiazepine, tailor therapy to individual patient profiles, monitor for adverse effects, and apply safe discontinuation strategies in clinical practice.
Subject areas
This course counts toward the state boards and subject areas below.
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified Nurse Practitioner
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Registered Nurse Practitioner
Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Certification Board
Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner
District of Columbia Board of Nursing
Certified Nurse Midwife
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Nurse Practitioner
Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Florida Board of Nursing
APRN Temporary Certificate for Practice in Areas of Critical Need
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Kansas State Board of Nursing
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Licensed Mental Health Technician
Licensed Practical Nurse
Nurse Midwife
Nurse Practitioner
Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Mississippi Board of Nursing
Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse Practitioner
New Hampshire Board of Nursing
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
New Mexico Board of Nursing
Certified Nurse Practitioner
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Clinical Nurse Specialist
North Dakota Board of Nursing
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
South Carolina Board of Nursing
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Tennessee Board of Nursing
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Medication Aide
West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Wyoming Board of Nursing
Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified Nurse Practitioner
Certified Nurse Specialist
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
Disclosure statements
Use of Course Content. The courses provided by NCC are based on industry knowledge and input from professional nurses, experts, practitioners, and other individuals and institutions. The information presented in this course is intended solely for the use of healthcare professionals taking this course, for credit, from NCC. The information is designed to assist healthcare professionals, including nurses, in addressing issues associated with healthcare. The information provided in this course is general in nature and is not designed to address any specific situation. This publication in no way absolves facilities of their responsibility for the appropriate orientation of healthcare professionals. Hospitals or other organizations using this publication as a part of their own orientation processes should review the contents of this publication to ensure accuracy and compliance before using this publication. Knowledge, procedures or insight gained from the Student in the course of taking classes provided by NCC may be used at the Student’s discretion during their course of work or otherwise in a professional capacity. The Student understands and agrees that NCC shall not be held liable for any acts, errors, advice or omissions provided by the Student based on knowledge or advice acquired by NCC. The Student is solely responsible for his/her own actions, even if information and/or education was acquired from a NCC course pertaining to that action or actions. By clicking “complete” you are agreeing to these terms of use.
Take it Here
- This course reports to CE Broker immediately upon completion.
- Complete all courses at your own pace online.
- Quality and enjoyable courses.
- Modern experience, accessible from any device.
- All courses affordably priced.