What medication was given intravenously to stop the seizures in the emergency department?

• A. Diazepam 8 mg IV push
• B. Lorazepam IV
• C. Midazolam IM
• D. Phenytoin IV

Answer: (A)

The main idea is stopping an active seizure quickly with a fast-acting benzodiazepine given IV. Diazepam, when given as an intravenous bolus, enters the brain rapidly and enhances GABAergic inhibition, which quiets neuronal firing and terminates the seizure. The typical adult IV dose is about 0.15–0.2 mg/kg, and an 8 mg IV push is a common amount that effectively stops ongoing convulsions promptly.

Other options either aren’t IV or aren’t as immediately effective for acute termination (midazolam can be IV but the option here is IM, which isn’t IV; lorazepam IV is also effective but the scenario emphasizes the quick IV option; phenytoin IV is used for preventing recurrence and has a slower onset). So, the rapid IV diazepam bolus best fits the goal of quickly stopping the seizure in the emergency department.