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?
A.
Bleeding
B.
Cataracts
C.
Dysrhythmias
D.
Pancreatitis
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. Dysrhythmias.
Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic medication used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia, including agitation. While it is effective in treating these symptoms, it is associated with a range of potential adverse effects.
Dysrhythmias (or irregular heart rhythms) are a notable adverse effect of haloperidol. This risk arises due to haloperidol’s ability to affect cardiac conduction. Specifically, haloperidol can prolong the QT interval, which is the time it takes for the heart’s electrical system to reset after each heartbeat. Prolongation of the QT interval can increase the risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias such as Torsades de Pointes, a potentially life-threatening type of ventricular tachycardia. Monitoring the client’s ECG for changes and being vigilant for symptoms like palpitations or dizziness is crucial.
In contrast, the other options listed—bleeding, cataracts, and pancreatitis—are not commonly associated with haloperidol.
- Bleeding: This is not a typical adverse effect of haloperidol. While antipsychotic medications can influence various bodily functions, bleeding issues are not directly related to this medication.
- Cataracts: There is no direct evidence linking haloperidol with cataract formation. Cataracts are more commonly associated with long-term use of steroids rather than antipsychotic medications.
- Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas and is not a known side effect of haloperidol. This condition is more commonly linked with other types of medications, such as certain classes of diuretics or antibiotics.
In summary, when administering haloperidol, it is important to monitor for potential dysrhythmias and conduct regular cardiovascular assessments to manage and mitigate this risk effectively.