A patient who takes haloperidol (Haldol) 10 mg/day orally developed restlessness, agitation, and an inability to sit still
The nurse then administered a PRN dose of haloperidol 5 mg intramuscularly. One hour later the patient's symptoms were worse. What is the most likely explanation?
a. The PRN medication has not yet taken effect.
b. The patient needs an additional PRN dose of haloperidol to control the rising agitation.
c. The patient was experiencing akathisia, which worsened after receiving the PRN medication.
d. The nurse should consider an adjunctive dose of an antianxiety drug such as lorazepam (Ativan).
C
Akathisia is characterized by subjective feelings of restlessness accompanied by the inability to sit still and the need to pace. It is an EPSE of antipsychotic medication, made more intense by higher doses of medication and use of PRN doses. It is unnecessary to change to a more sedating drug. The addition of an antianxiety drug is unnecessary.
You might also like to view...
The nurse informatics (NI) specialist incorporates nursing science, computer science, and information science to support nursing in utilization of the data collection. Priorities for an NI specialist include:
a. Developing computer information systems for the hospital. b. Incorporating common nursing nomenclature into the system. c. Researching evidence-based practice. d. Developing restrictions of certain patient information to insurance companies.
Henry Smith is 88 years old and has been having periods of disorientation and confusion that worsen at night. He has been given a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
When you pick up Henry's tray after supper, you observe that he has not touched any of the food. As his nurse, you understand that: A) He is too depressed to eat B) He sees ants in his food C) He is too forgetful to remember to eat D) He is deliberately obstinate
What should a nursing assistant do to prepare a room for the patient's return from surgery?
What will be an ideal response?
In the context of drug interactions, identify the true statement about grapefruit juice.
A. Atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin are not affected by grapefruit juice. B. Taking medication in the presence of grapefruit juice significantly reduces the bioavailability of the medication. C. Grapefruit juice interacts only with drugs that are administered orally. D. Grapefruit juice can significantly increase drug metabolism at the intestinal wall.