Question

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

A) Bradycardia
B) Hypertension
C) Excessive sedation
D) Hypoglycemia

Answer 1

The nurse should observe for excessive sedation as an adverse effect of haloperidol due to its influence on dopamine activity within the brain's basal nuclei.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse caring for a client on haloperidol should monitor for several potential adverse effects. One of the more common adverse effects of haloperidol, an antipsychotic medication, is related to the drug's influence on the dopamine activity within the basal nuclei of the brain. Specifically, this medication may cause movement disorders and other side effects associated with the extrapyramidal system. Therefore, of the options provided, excessive sedation (C) is the symptom that is most typically associated with haloperidol. While it can cause various effects, haloperidol is less likely to cause bradycardia, hypertension, or hypoglycemia as direct results of its use; these symptoms are more commonly associated with other classes of drugs or medical conditions.