A preoperative patient who recently received benzodiazepines, what should be prepared?

• A. Provide a urinal and allow to void
• B. Start physical therapy
• C. Administer reversal agent
• D. Begin intravenous fluids

Answer: (A)

Anticipate the sedative effects of benzodiazepines and plan for the patient to void before anesthesia. Benzodiazepines can cause CNS depression and may blunt the urge or ability to urinate, increasing the risk of urinary retention once the patient is sedated or under anesthesia. Having a urinal available and giving the patient time to void helps ensure the bladder is empty, reduces the chance of intraoperative bladder distension, and avoids delays or the need for sudden catheterization.

The other options don’t directly address this immediate preoperative safety concern: using a reversal agent is reserved for oversedation or overdose and isn’t routinely prepared for every patient; starting physical therapy isn’t related to the effects of benzodiazepines in the immediate preop period; and beginning IV fluids is a general perioperative practice but not specifically driven by prior benzodiazepine use.