Question

when prescribing a benzodiazepine, what is a key safety consideration?

• prescribing the dose patients feel they need/want for effectiveness
• using large ranges in dosing instructions for flexibility
• avoiding long - term use due to risk of dependence
• encouraging the patient to take extra doses if needed

Explanation:

Benzodiazepines have a risk of physical and psychological dependence with long - term use. Prescribing based on patient - perceived need (first option) is not safe as it can lead to over - dosing. Using large dosing ranges (second option) can cause inconsistent dosing and safety issues. Encouraging extra doses (fourth option) is dangerous. Avoiding long - term use due to dependence risk is a key safety consideration.

Answer:

C. Avoiding long - term use due to risk of dependence