Introduction: Although zolpidem is prescribed widely, determining the incidence of adverse drug reactions such as mental confusion is of considerable clinical importance for nursing practice.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the use of zolpidem in a hospital setting to determine the incidence of mental confusion for patients receiving the drug.
Method: A correlational cross-sectional study design was used to examine the effects of zolpidem on hospitalized patients. Data abstraction from medical records was used to collect demographic and variable information.
Findings: The first mental status assessment showed no statistical difference of decline in mental status (p=0.08). There was, however, a significant change (p<0.000) after the second mental status assessment.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, caution must be considered for first-time users of zolpidem who are greater than age 50.