Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 62%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has severe manifestations of schizophrenia and is medicated PRN for agitation with haloperidol. The nurse should assess the client for which of the following adverse effects?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Dysrhythmias. Haloperidol, an antipsychotic medication, can cause QT prolongation leading to potentially fatal dysrhythmias. The nurse should monitor the client's ECG for any signs of QT prolongation.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Bleeding - not a common adverse effect of haloperidol.
B: Pancreatitis - not typically associated with haloperidol use.
C: Cataracts - long-term use of antipsychotics can increase the risk of cataracts, but this is not a priority in this acute scenario.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Bleeding - not a common adverse effect of haloperidol.
B: Pancreatitis - not typically associated with haloperidol use.
C: Cataracts - long-term use of antipsychotics can increase the risk of cataracts, but this is not a priority in this acute scenario.