When a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia was discharged 6 months ago, haloperidol was prescribed. The patient now says, "I stopped taking those pills. They made me feel like a robot." What are common side effects the nurse should validate with the patient?
Sedation and muscle stiffness
Headache, watery eyes, and runny nose
Mild fever, sore throat, and skin rash
Sweating, nausea, and diarrhea
The Correct Answer is A
A. Haloperidol, a typical antipsychotic, commonly causes extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) such as muscle stiffness, rigidity, tremors, and sedation, which can make patients feel “robotic.”
B. Headache, watery eyes, and runny nose are not typical side effects of haloperidol; they are more consistent with allergy or upper respiratory symptoms.
C. Mild fever, sore throat, and skin rash could indicate a serious reaction such as agranulocytosis, which is rare and more common with atypical antipsychotics like clozapine.
D. Sweating, nausea, and diarrhea are not primary side effects of haloperidol; they may occur with other medications or conditions but are not typical EPS.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Judging the patient can shut down communication and make the patient feel defensive rather than heard.
B. This technique, also called reflective listening, shows the patient that the nurse is actively listening and trying to understand their perspective, encouraging further expression.
C. Direct questions can be useful, but they may limit patient expression and can feel leading rather than supportive.
D. While intended to show empathy, this phrase can be perceived as dismissive if the nurse has not fully explored the patient’s feelings.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The orientation stage focuses on establishing trust, building rapport, clarifying roles, and setting boundaries. Developing trust and rapport is essential before deeper therapeutic work can occur.
B. Self-responsibility and autonomy are outcomes seen later in the working/termination phases as the patient gains insight and coping skills.
C. A greater sense of independence is expected as the therapeutic relationship progresses, not in the orientation stage.
D. Transference (patient projecting feelings onto the nurse) may occur at any phase and is addressed in the working phase, not resolved in orientation.
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