What medication should be recommended for a patient anxious about fiberoptic bronchoscopy?

The recommended medication for a patient feeling anxious about fiberoptic bronchoscopy is midazolam. Midazolam is a benzodiazepine that is commonly used for its anxiolytic properties, which help to reduce anxiety and induce sedation. It is particularly beneficial in procedural settings, as it allows patients to be calm and more comfortable during procedures that may otherwise cause distress.

Midazolam works quickly and provides a level of amnesia, which can be advantageous in the context of a procedure like bronchoscopy, where patients may prefer not to remember any discomfort or anxiety experienced during the process. Additionally, it can be administered intravenously, making it effective for quick onset and control over the sedation level.

While fentanyl is an opioid analgesic that can provide pain relief, it does not target anxiety specifically and might not be the best choice for addressing the patient's anxiousness directly. Propofol, while effective for sedation, is typically reserved for procedures requiring deeper sedation and is not primarily used for anxiety management. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that can help numb tissue but does not address anxiety directly.

In summary, midazolam is the most appropriate choice for alleviating anxiety in patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy due to its effective sedative and