Which drug is a benzodiazepine used in delirium management?

Which drug is a benzodiazepine used in delirium management?

• A. Lorazepam
• B. Chlorpromazine
• C. Olanzapine
• D. Risperidone

Answer: (A)

The key idea is recognizing drug classes and their roles in delirium. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that enhances GABA-A receptor activity, producing rapid calming and sedative effects. Among the options, it is the only benzodiazepine, whereas chlorpromazine is a typical antipsychotic and olanzapine and risperidone are atypical antipsychotics. In delirium management, antipsychotics are commonly used to control agitation and psychosis, while benzodiazepines are generally avoided unless there is a withdrawal state (e.g., alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal) or seizure risk. When benzodiazepines are used in delirium, lorazepam is favored for its pharmacokinetic properties (no active metabolites and availability for IV/IM use). So lorazepam best fits the benzodiazepine category among these options.

The key idea is recognizing drug classes and their roles in delirium. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that enhances GABA-A receptor activity, producing rapid calming and sedative effects. Among the options, it is the only benzodiazepine, whereas chlorpromazine is a typical antipsychotic and olanzapine and risperidone are atypical antipsychotics. In delirium management, antipsychotics are commonly used to control agitation and psychosis, while benzodiazepines are generally avoided unless there is a withdrawal state (e.g., alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal) or seizure risk. When benzodiazepines are used in delirium, lorazepam is favored for its pharmacokinetic properties (no active metabolites and availability for IV/IM use). So lorazepam best fits the benzodiazepine category among these options.