A nurse is collecting data from a client who has been taking diazepam several times per day but recently ran out of the medication. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as a manifestation of withdrawal from diazepam?

Choice A rationale Anorexia, a significant decrease in appetite leading to reduced food intake, is not a typical physiological manifestation of diazepam withdrawal. Withdrawal primarily impacts the central nervous system, leading to heightened neuronal excitability rather than appetite suppression as a primary or common symptom. Choice B rationale Hypotension, or abnormally low blood pressure, is generally not a direct or common physiological consequence of diazepam withdrawal. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines typically leads to sympathetic nervous system overactivity, which tends to cause hypertension and tachycardia rather than a decrease in blood pressure. Choice C rationale Tremors are a classic and significant manifestation of benzodiazepine withdrawal, including diazepam. This occurs due to central nervous system hyperexcitability resulting from the abrupt removal of the GABAergic inhibitory effects of diazepam, leading to neuronal overstimulation and motor instability. Normal range for tremors is none. Choice D rationale Drowsiness, a state of reduced alertness and increased desire to sleep, is a common side effect of diazepam use due to its central nervous system depressant effects. Conversely, withdrawal from diazepam typically leads to increased arousal, anxiety, and insomnia, rather than drowsiness.