A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who has been taking haloperidol for 3 months. The client has a temperature of 39.5* C (103.4° F), blood pressure of 150/110 mm Hg, and muscle rigidity. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?

A. Insert the needle slowly and gently.

This statement is generally true for most injection techniques, including the Z-track method. Slow and gentle insertion helps minimize discomfort for the client and allows for better control over the needle's placement. However, the specific speed of insertion may vary depending on the nurse's technique and the client's skin condition.

B. Pull the skin 1.3 cm (1/2 inch) to the side.

This statement is correct. The Z-track technique involves pulling the skin laterally (to the side) by approximately 1.3 cm (1/2 inch) before inserting the needle. This lateral displacement of the skin creates a zigzag pathway for the medication, which helps prevent leakage or tracking of the medication along the injection site.

C. Aspirate for 5 to 10 seconds.

Aspiration, or pulling back on the plunger of the syringe after needle insertion, is not typically recommended for intramuscular injections, including those using the Z-track method. Aspiration may increase the risk of tissue trauma or damage to blood vessels. Since the Z-track technique is designed to minimize medication leakage into the subcutaneous tissue, aspiration is usually unnecessary.

D. Use a 45° angle of insertion.

The angle of insertion for the Z-track technique is typically 90 degrees (perpendicular) to the skin surface rather than 45 degrees. This angle allows for proper depth penetration into the muscle and ensures adequate delivery of the medication into the muscle tissue.

A. Akathisia: Akathisia is characterized by restlessness and an inability to sit still. While it can be a side effect of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol, it does not present with fever, hypertension, and muscle rigidity, as described in the scenario.

B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): NMS is a potentially life-threatening condition associated with antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. It is characterized by hyperthermia, autonomic dysfunction (e.g., hypertension), altered mental status, and severe muscle rigidity. The client's symptoms of fever, elevated blood pressure, and muscle rigidity are consistent with NMS.

C. Tardive dyskinesia: Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and other body parts. It is a long-term side effect of antipsychotic medications and typically develops after prolonged use, unlike the acute onset seen in the scenario.

D. Agranulocytosis: Agranulocytosis is a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotic medications, characterized by a severe reduction in white blood cell count, leading to an increased risk of infection. The symptoms described in the scenario are not consistent with agranulocytosis.