Question

a nurse is caring for a client who is receiving haloperidol. which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of the medication?

paresthesia
akathisia
excess tear production
anxiety

Explanation:

Identify the drug class and mechanism

Using the Haloperidol Pharmacology knowledge point
Haloperidol is a high-potency first-generation (typical) antipsychotic that acts primarily as a strong antagonist at dopamine \(D_2\) receptors in the brain.

Analyze adverse effects

Using the Antipsychotic Adverse Effects knowledge point
Dopamine blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway frequently leads to extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). These movement disorders include acute dystonia, parkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia, and akathisia.

Evaluate the given options

• Paresthesia: A sensation of tingling or numbness, not a typical adverse effect of haloperidol.
• Akathisia: A classic EPS characterized by subjective feelings of inner restlessness and an intense urge to move, commonly caused by haloperidol.
• Excess tear production: Antipsychotics typically cause anticholinergic side effects such as dry eyes, rather than excess tearing.
• Anxiety: While inner restlessness can feel like anxiety, akathisia is the specific, direct extrapyramidal adverse effect of this medication.

Answer:

• Paresthesia
• Akathisia (Correct answer)
• Excess tear production
• Anxiety