Which physiological change should a nurse expect to observe when assessing an elderly client?

This statement suggests that the client needs further teaching because haloperidol is a medication that needs to be taken regularly and consistently to prevent relapse of symptoms related to schizophrenia. Stopping the medication abruptly can cause withdrawal effects and worsen the condition.

Choice B is wrong because it shows that the client understands the potential interaction between alcohol and haloperidol, which can increase the risk of sedation, drowsiness, and low blood pressure.

Choice C is wrong because it indicates that the client has realistic expectations about the onset of action of haloperidol, which can take several days or weeks to show improvement of symptoms.

Choice D is wrong because it demonstrates that the client is aware of the possible side effect of photosensitivity caused by haloperidol, which can make the skin more prone to sunburn and damage.

Haloperidol is an antipsychotic drug that works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. It is used to treat symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and disorganized thinking in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. The normal dosage range for haloperidol is 0.5 to 20 mg per day, depending on the severity of the condition and the response to treatment. Some of the common side effects of haloperidol include extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), such as muscle stiffness, tremors, restlessness, and abnormal movements; neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which is a rare but serious condition characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability; and tardive dyskinesia (TD), which is a chronic movement disorder that involves involuntary movements of the tongue, lips, face, and limbs. Haloperidol can also cause weight gain, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.

Haloperidol should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, liver disease, seizure disorder, diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction

Older adults do not have a different pain mechanism and do not feel it as much as younger individuals. This statement is false and indicates the need for further education regarding pain management in older adults.

Some possible explanations for the other choices are:

Choice A is true because older adults often fear becoming addicted to pain medications and may underreport or deny their pain.

Choice B is true because older adults often take numerous drugs that can cause interactions with pain medications and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Choice C is true because confusion and delirium can be a more common reaction to certain pain medications in the elderly, especially opioids and benzodiazepines.

Normal ranges for vital signs in older adults are similar to those in younger adults, except for blood pressure, which may be higher due to arterial stiffness. The normal range for blood pressure in older adults is 120/80 to 140/90 mm Hg.