Over how long should the nurse administer diazepam 5 mg intravenously?

When administering diazepam intravenously, it is crucial to ensure the drug is delivered at a rate that minimizes the risk of adverse effects, while still providing effective sedation. The recommended rate of administration for diazepam is about 1 minute for 5 mg doses. This method helps to prevent potential complications, such as venous irritation or hypotension, which can occur with rapid administration of the medication.

The infusion needs to be performed slowly to enhance patient safety and optimize the therapeutic effects. Achieving balance in this context is important in clinical practice where patient comfort and drug efficacy are prioritized.