Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 90%
Simulated
The nurse provides care for a client receiving haloperidol for 3 days. The client's temperature is 103.5┬░F (39.7┬░C), blood pressure 200/100 mm Hg, and pulse 122 beats/min. The client is pale and sweating excessively. Which action does the nurse take first?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The symptoms suggest neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a life-threatening reaction to haloperidol. Administering bromocriptine, if prescribed, is the priority to reverse NMS. Monitoring, continuing haloperidol, or assessing consciousness delays critical intervention.