Which prescription would be appropriate for a client suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

Lorazepam is considered an appropriate prescription for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms because it belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medications. Benzodiazepines are effective in managing withdrawal symptoms due to their ability to enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This enhancement helps to reduce anxiety, agitation, and seizures associated with alcohol withdrawal.

During alcohol withdrawal, patients can experience a range of symptoms, including tremors, anxiety, seizures, and delirium tremens, which can be life-threatening. Lorazepam is particularly favored due to its efficacy in reducing these symptoms and its relatively safe profile compared to other options. It also has a relatively quick onset, making it beneficial in acute settings.

The other options, while useful in different contexts, are not appropriate choices for managing alcohol withdrawal. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine primarily used for allergic reactions or as a sleep aid and does not address the core symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant used primarily to prevent seizures but is not indicated for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. Clozapine is an antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and specific mood disorders but is not a first