Problem
Peter Porter, is a 50 year old male who is admitted to hospital for the removal of haemorrhoids (haemorrhoidectomy). He has been bothered by haemorrhoids for the previous two years. In the past month the discomfort has increased and his GP referred Peter for surgery.
On admission to the hospital, the following pre-operative medication has been ordered:
1. temazepam 30mg prn
2. midazolam 2.5mg IV 30 mins prior to surgery.
Task
• What is the purpose of prescribing Peter both temazepam and midazolam? One of the medications is prescribed prn, how does this influence your actions?