A client is receiving diazepam for skeletal muscle relaxation; which side effect would the nurse monitor?

A client is receiving diazepam for skeletal muscle relaxation; which side effect would the nurse monitor?

• A. Incoordination
• B. Sedation
• C. Nausea
• D. Tachycardia

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that benzodiazepines used for skeletal muscle relaxation act in the central nervous system and can slow motor control. Diazepam enhances GABA activity, which relaxes muscles but also depresses CNS functions involved in coordination. Incoordination (ataxia) directly reflects this motor impairment, making it a key side effect to monitor to prevent falls and unsafe movement. Sedation is also common and important for safety, but the ability to coordinate movements is the more specific indicator of CNS depressant effect on motor control. Nausea and tachycardia are less typical in this context.

The main idea is that benzodiazepines used for skeletal muscle relaxation act in the central nervous system and can slow motor control. Diazepam enhances GABA activity, which relaxes muscles but also depresses CNS functions involved in coordination. Incoordination (ataxia) directly reflects this motor impairment, making it a key side effect to monitor to prevent falls and unsafe movement. Sedation is also common and important for safety, but the ability to coordinate movements is the more specific indicator of CNS depressant effect on motor control. Nausea and tachycardia are less typical in this context.