When providing care to a client diagnosed with a mental disorder, the client asks the nurse, “Does mental illness run in your family?” Which response by the nurse would be nontherapeutic?

Choice A reason:
Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others. This is not the correct answer because the man’s behavior of punching walls and yelling at his significant other is an outward expression of his own frustration, rather than projecting his feelings onto someone else. Projection would involve accusing others of having the feelings or thoughts that he himself is experiencing.
Choice B reason:
Denial is a defense mechanism where an individual refuses to accept reality or facts, blocking external events from awareness. This is not the correct answer because the man’s actions indicate that he is reacting to his frustration rather than denying its existence. Denial would involve ignoring or refusing to acknowledge the feelings or situation that is causing distress.
Choice C reason:
Displacement is the redirection of emotions or impulses from a threatening target to a safer one. This is the correct answer because the man redirects his anger from his supervisor, who is the source of his frustration, to a less threatening target, which is his significant other and the walls at home. Displacement allows the individual to express their emotions in a way that feels safer or more acceptable.
Choice D reason:
Passive-aggression involves expressing negative feelings indirectly rather than openly addressing them. This is not the correct answer because the man’s behavior is direct and aggressive, rather than passive. Passive-aggressive actions might include sulking, procrastination, or subtle resistance, none of which are evident in the described scenario.

Choice A reason:
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are a common adverse effect of haloperidol, a first-generation antipsychotic. EPS includes symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and tardive dyskinesia. These symptoms result from the drug’s effect on the dopaminergic pathways in the brain.
Choice B reason:
Intractable hiccups are not a known adverse effect of haloperidol. This symptom is more commonly associated with other conditions or medications, but not with antipsychotic drugs like haloperidol.
Choice C reason:
Excessive salivation is not typically associated with haloperidol. Antipsychotic medications can cause dry mouth rather than excessive salivation. This symptom is more commonly seen with other medications or conditions.
Choice D reason:
Fever is not a common adverse effect of haloperidol. While fever can occur in the context of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare but serious reaction to antipsychotics), it is not a typical side effect of haloperidol use. The primary concern with haloperidol is the development of extrapyramidal symptoms.