A nurse is assessing a client who has a prescription for haloperidol 0.5 mg PO three times daily. The medication administration record shows that the client received 5 mg per dose on the previous day. Which of the following manifestations is the nurse's priority to assess?
Mostly cloudy
Constipation
Dry mouth
Daytime drowsiness
Muscle stiffness
The Correct Answer is A
A. Mostly cloudy: This is an unclear statement. It is not related to a physical manifestation that would result from haloperidol overdose.
B. Constipation: Although haloperidol can cause constipation as a side effect, it is not the most urgent concern. Other manifestations are more immediately life-threatening.
C. Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect of antipsychotics, but it is not life-threatening and would not be the priority assessment in the case of a medication overdose.
D. Daytime drowsiness: Sedation is a known side effect of haloperidol, but it is not the priority in this scenario where an overdose occurred.
E. Muscle stiffness: Muscle stiffness may indicate extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), both of which are serious and potentially life-threatening side effects of haloperidol, especially in cases of overdose. Assessing for these symptoms is the priority.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A decrease in the amount of gastric acid production: Alosetron is not used to decrease gastric acid production. This effect is more associated with medications such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers.
B. A decrease in the frequency of defecation: Alosetron is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) by reducing bowel movement frequency and improving stool consistency.
C. An increase in gastric motility: Alosetron works by decreasing intestinal motility, which helps reduce diarrhea, not by increasing it.
D. An increase in the absorption of water into the intestine: Alosetron does not specifically increase water absorption into the intestine. Its primary effect is slowing intestinal transit to reduce diarrhea.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Muscle rigidity of the extremities: This finding is more indicative of hyperkalemia or severe electrolyte imbalances but is not a common symptom of hypokalemia.
B. Bounding radial pulses: This finding is more associated with hypervolemia or hyperkalemia, not with hypokalemia caused by furosemide.
C. Depressed deep tendon reflexes: This is the correct response, as low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can lead to diminished reflexes due to its role in neuromuscular function.
D. Increased bowel motility: This is incorrect, as hypokalemia typically results in decreased bowel motility and may cause constipation rather than increased motility.
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