Alcohol Withdrawal

(M1.PY.17.4725) A 59-year-old man presents to the emergency room with shortness of breath and swelling of his feet and legs. He denies any past medical problems, surgeries, medications, or illicit drug use. He reports drinking a few beers each night. He is diagnosed with a first episode of congestive heart failure and is admitted to the hospital. The next day, the nurse notices that his hands are shaky when he extends his arms. The patient says that he couldn’t sleep the night before and that he feels restless, anxious, and slightly nauseated. On the second night of admission the patient becomes agitated. He is disoriented, cannot remember where he is, and appears globally confused. His pulse is 125/min, blood pressure is 170/110 mmHg, and temperature is 101.7°F (38.7°C). He is diaphoretic and his hands are shaking at rest. He cries out in fear reporting voices whispering in his room and strange shadows passing over the walls. What medication should be administered to this patient?