A nurse in the ER is admitting a client who has experienced a weight loss of 11 kg (25 lb) in the past 3 months. The client weighs 40 kg (88 lb) and believes she is fat. Which of the following aspects of care should the nurse consider the first priority for this client?

The correct answer is choice A: "You may experience dizziness upon standing while taking this medication."

Choice A rationale:

This choice is the correct answer because haloperidol, an antipsychotic medication, can cause orthostatic hypotension, which leads to dizziness upon standing. Antipsychotic medications often affect blood pressure regulation and can result in a sudden drop in blood pressure when transitioning from sitting or lying down to standing. This explanation provides essential information to the client to help them understand potential side effects and take necessary precautions.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is incorrect. Haloperidol is not indicated for treating symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is primarily used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Providing false information about its indications is not appropriate and may lead to confusion.

Choice C rationale:

This choice is incorrect. Clients should never stop taking antipsychotic medications abruptly without consulting their healthcare provider. Discontinuing such medications can lead to withdrawal effects and a worsening of symptoms. Encouraging the client to stop the medication if side effects are bothersome is not appropriate and could potentially jeopardize their well-being.

Choice D rationale:

This choice is partially correct but not the best answer. While haloperidol can cause excessive salivation (sialorrhea) as a side effect, the primary concern in this situation should be related to orthostatic hypotension and dizziness upon standing. Mentioning excessive salivation would be helpful, but it's secondary to the risk of falls associated with orthostatic hypotension.

Choice A rationale:

The Brief Patient Health naire (Brief PHQ) is primarily used for assessing the presence and severity of depressive symptoms and not specifically for cognitive disorders. It consists of nine items that assess the frequency of specific symptoms over the past two weeks.

Choice B rationale:

The Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) is a tool used to assess negative symptoms in schizophrenia and other related psychotic disorders. It includes items related to affective blunting, alogia, anhedonia, and avolition, which are not directly relevant to the assessment of cognitive disorders.

Choice C rationale:

The Mental Status Examination (MSE) is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive function, including orientation, memory, attention, language, and executive function. It provides valuable information about the client's cognitive abilities and can aid in diagnosing cognitive disorders such as dementia or delirium.

Choice D rationale:

The Abnormal Involuntary Movements Scale (AIMS) is used to assess the presence and severity of tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder commonly associated with the use of antipsychotic medications. It is not relevant to the assessment of cognitive disorders.