Forty-eight hours after starting haloperidol, the client is observed standing by the nurse’s station with his neck arched sharply backward. The nurse recognizes that the client:
Is having pseudo-Parkinsonian side effects and needs to have his medication adjusted.
Is experiencing temporary side effects that usually disappear after several days.
Needs to have the dosage increased because of psychotic behavior that is increasing.
Needs immediate treatment and is experiencing an acute dystonic reaction to the drug.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Pseudo-Parkinsonian side effects, also known as drug-induced parkinsonism, can occur with the use of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. These side effects include symptoms such as rigidity, bradykinesia, tremor, and postural instability. However, the description of the client’s neck arched sharply backward is more indicative of an acute dystonic reaction rather than pseudo-Parkinsonian side effects. Pseudo-Parkinsonian symptoms typically develop more gradually and do not present with such dramatic posturing.
Choice B Reason:
While some side effects of haloperidol can be temporary and may disappear after several days, the acute dystonic reaction described in the scenario requires immediate intervention. Acute dystonic reactions are characterized by sudden, severe muscle contractions that can be painful and potentially dangerous if they involve the airway. Therefore, it is crucial to address this reaction promptly rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own.
Choice C Reason:
Increasing the dosage of haloperidol in response to the described symptoms would likely exacerbate the situation. The client’s symptoms are not indicative of worsening psychotic behavior but rather an adverse reaction to the medication. Increasing the dosage could lead to more severe side effects and complications. The appropriate response is to treat the acute dystonic reaction and reassess the medication regimen.
Choice D Reason:
An acute dystonic reaction is a known side effect of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. It involves sudden, severe muscle contractions, often affecting the neck, face, and back. This reaction can be distressing and requires immediate treatment with anticholinergic medications such as benztropine or diphenhydramine. Prompt intervention can relieve the symptoms and prevent further complications.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Slowed psychomotor activity.
Slowed psychomotor activity is a hallmark of hypoactive delirium. Patients with this type of delirium often exhibit reduced physical movement and slower reaction times. This symptom can make hypoactive delirium more challenging to recognize compared to the more obvious agitation seen in hyperactive delirium.
Choice B Reason:
Impaired attention and concentration.
Impaired attention and concentration are common in all forms of delirium, including hypoactive delirium. Patients may have difficulty focusing, sustaining, or shifting attention, which can significantly impact their ability to engage in daily activities or follow conversations.
Choice C Reason:
Hallucinations and delusions.
While hallucinations and delusions can occur in delirium, they are more commonly associated with hyperactive delirium. Hypoactive delirium is characterized more by withdrawal and decreased responsiveness rather than the presence of hallucinations or delusions.
Choice D Reason:
Decreased alertness or responsiveness.
Decreased alertness or responsiveness is a key feature of hypoactive delirium. Patients may appear drowsy, lethargic, or less responsive to their environment. This can sometimes be mistaken for depression or fatigue, making it crucial to differentiate hypoactive delirium from other conditions.
Choice E Reason:
Agitation and restlessness.
Agitation and restlessness are characteristic of hyperactive delirium, not hypoactive delirium5. In hypoactive delirium, patients are more likely to be withdrawn and less responsive rather than agitated or restless.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Manifestation of dyslexia.
Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. It is not typically associated with the creation of new words or phrases, which is what the term ‘mazurka’ represents in this context. Therefore, the client’s use of ‘mazurka’ is not a manifestation of dyslexia.
Choice B Reason:
Example of loose associations.
Loose associations refer to a thought disorder where ideas are presented with little or no logical connection between them. While this is a common symptom in schizophrenia, it does not specifically involve the creation of new words. The term ‘mazurka’ in this context does not illustrate a lack of logical connection between ideas but rather the invention of a new term.
Choice C Reason:
Neologism.
Neologism refers to the creation of new words or phrases that are often only understood by the person who created them. This is a common symptom in schizophrenia, where individuals may invent words that have meaning only to them. The client’s use of ‘mazurka’ fits this definition, as it is a newly created word that likely holds specific meaning for the client.
Choice D Reason:
Flight of ideas.
Flight of ideas is a symptom characterized by rapid and continuous speech with abrupt changes from topic to topic, usually based on understandable associations, distracting stimuli, or plays on words. This symptom is more commonly associated with manic episodes rather than schizophrenia. The use of ‘mazurka’ does not indicate rapid topic changes but rather the creation of a new word.
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