A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a 3-year-old child who has suspected epiglottitis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

The prescription for Levothyroxine 75 mcg PO daily at 0600 does not require clarification. It provides clear instructions for the medication, including the drug name, dosage, route, and timing. The administration time (0600) is specific, allowing the nurse to administer the medication accurately.

Choice B rationale:

The prescription for Digoxin 250 PO daily contains an error. The dosage (250) is missing the unit of measurement (e.g., mcg or mg). Without the unit, it is impossible to accurately administer the medication. This prescription needs clarification from the prescriber to ensure safe and precise administration.

Choice C rationale:

The prescription for Acetaminophen 650 mg PO Q6 hours does not require clarification. It provides clear instructions for the medication, including the drug name, dosage (650 mg), route (PO), and frequency (every 6 hours). The dosing interval is appropriate and within the normal range for acetaminophen administration.

Choice D rationale:

The prescription for Ceftriaxone 1 g IV Q 24 hours does not require clarification. It provides clear instructions for the medication, including the drug name, dosage (1 g), route (IV), and frequency (every 24 hours). The dosing interval is appropriate for this antibiotic and allows for effective treatment of infections.

Choice A rationale:

Weight gain is a common side effect of many antipsychotic medications, including haloperidol. While it is important to monitor for this adverse effect, it is not specifically related to the extrapyramidal symptoms associated with haloperidol use.

Choice B rationale:

Dry mouth is a common anticholinergic side effect of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. Although it is important to monitor for this adverse effect, it is not specifically related to the extrapyramidal symptoms, such as parkinsonism, associated with haloperidol use.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct answer. Shuffling gait, or parkinsonism, is an extrapyramidal symptom associated with the use of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. It is a movement disorder characterized by a shuffling walk, rigidity, and tremors. Recognizing and reporting this symptom promptly is crucial, as it may indicate the development of a serious neurological condition called tardive dyskinesia.

Choice D rationale:

Sedation is a common side effect of haloperidol and other antipsychotic medications. While it is important to monitor for sedation, it is not specifically related to the extrapyramidal symptoms associated with haloperidol use, as described in choice C.