The nurse has administered a dose of haloperidol to a client with schizophrenia. Which of the following adverse effects would need to be reported to the provider immediately?
A.
Dry mouth
B.
Oral temperature of 101 F
C.
Drowsiness
D.
Blood pressure of 104/72 mmHg
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. Oral temperature of 101 F.
Explanation:
Haloperidol, an antipsychotic medication, is primarily used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia. While it can be effective in reducing psychotic symptoms, it can also lead to various adverse effects that require careful monitoring.
- Dry Mouth (A): This is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications, including haloperidol. While uncomfortable, it is not considered a life-threatening issue and does not typically necessitate immediate intervention.
- Oral Temperature of 101 F (B): An elevated temperature in a patient receiving haloperidol is particularly concerning. Antipsychotics can induce a condition known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potentially life-threatening reaction characterized by hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysregulation. An oral temperature of 101°F may be an early indicator of NMS, and it warrants immediate attention and possibly discontinuation of the medication.
- Drowsiness (C): Sedation is another common side effect of haloperidol. While it can impact the patient’s functioning, it is generally not as urgent as elevated temperature and is usually manageable with monitoring and dose adjustments.
- Blood Pressure of 104/72 mmHg (D): This blood pressure reading is within normal limits and does not indicate an immediate concern. However, hypotension or significant fluctuations could be problematic, but the provided reading is stable.
In summary, the elevation in oral temperature is the most critical finding and should be reported to the provider immediately for further evaluation and management, as it could indicate a serious reaction to the medication.