When a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia was discharged 6 months ago, haloperidol was prescribed. The patient now says, "I stopped taking those pills. They made me feel like a robot." What are common side effects the nurse should validate with the patient?
Sedation and muscle stiffness
Headache, watery eyes, and runny nose
Mild fever, sore throat, and skin rash
Sweating, nausea, and diarrhea
The Correct Answer is A
A. Haloperidol, a typical antipsychotic, commonly causes extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) such as muscle stiffness, rigidity, tremors, and sedation, which can make patients feel “robotic.”
B. Headache, watery eyes, and runny nose are not typical side effects of haloperidol; they are more consistent with allergy or upper respiratory symptoms.
C. Mild fever, sore throat, and skin rash could indicate a serious reaction such as agranulocytosis, which is rare and more common with atypical antipsychotics like clozapine.
D. Sweating, nausea, and diarrhea are not primary side effects of haloperidol; they may occur with other medications or conditions but are not typical EPS.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Occasional toileting accidents may be developmentally normal at age 3 and are not specific to autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
B. Interrupting or intruding on others is more consistent with ADHD than autism.
C. Crying when separated from a parent is typical of separation anxiety, not autism.
D. Repetitive motor behaviors such as rocking, hand-flapping, or spinning are characteristic of autism spectrum disorder. These stereotypical movements are used for self-stimulation and regulation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Neurological assessment is important, but not the priority since opioid overdose primarily causes life-threatening respiratory depression.
B. Respiratory assessment is the highest priority because opioids suppress the respiratory center, leading to hypoventilation, hypoxia, or apnea.
C. Hepatic assessment is not the immediate concern in acute overdose.
D. Cardiovascular assessment is necessary, but respiratory status takes precedence because airway and breathing are life-sustaining priorities.
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