A patient with schizophrenia has been taking an antipsychotic drug for several days. The nurse enters the patient's room to administer a dose of haloperidol (Haldol) and finds the patient having facial spasms
The patient's head is thrust back, and the patient is unable to speak. What will the nurse do?
a. Administer the haloperidol as ordered.
b. Discuss increasing the haloperidol dose with the provider.
c. Request an order to give diphenhydramine.
d. Request an order to give levodopa.
ANS: C
An early reaction to antipsychotic drugs is acute dystonia. Initial treatment consists of an anticholinergic medication, such as diphenhydramine. Administering more antipsychotic medication would increase the symptoms and could be life threatening. Levodopa is not given for extrapyramidal symptoms, because it could counteract the beneficial effects of antipsychotic treatment.
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