Question

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

a. Akathisia
b. Paresthesia
c. Excess tear production
d. Anxiety

Answer 1

Akathisia is the adverse effect of haloperidol the nurse should identify, as it is a common extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotics affecting dopamine activity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should identify akathisia as an adverse effect of the medication haloperidol (an antipsychotic).

Akathisia is a condition characterized by an inner sense of restlessness and a compelling need to be in constant motion, which is a well-known extrapyramidal side effect associated with antipsychotic drugs.

Haloperidol affects dopamine activity in the basal nuclei, which can lead to various movement disorders closely resembling those seen in extrapyramidal system dysfunctions.