Comprehensive exams for Mental Health Q 216
Rocky has started taking haloperidol (Haldol). Which of the following instructions is most appropriate for Ricky before taking haloperidol?
A. Should report feelings of restlessness or agitation at once.
B. Use sunscreen outdoors on a year-round basis.
C. Be aware you’ll feel increased energy taking this drug.
D. Avoid eating sugar-free sweets.
Correct Answer: A. Should report feelings of restlessness or agitation at once
Haloperidol is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic medication that is used widely around the world. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of haloperidol is for schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome (control of tics and vocal utterances in adults and children), hyperactivity (which may present as impulsivity, difficulty maintaining attention, severe aggressivity, mood instability, and frustration intolerance), severe childhood behavioral problems (such as combative, explosive hyperexcitability), intractable hiccups. It is a typical antipsychotic because it works on positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions.
Option A: Agitation and restlessness are adverse effects of haloperidol and can be treated with anticholinergic drugs. Due to the blockade of the dopamine pathway in the brain, typical antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol have correlations with extrapyramidal side effects.
Option B: Haloperidol isn’t likely to cause photosensitivity or control essential hypertension. Due to potential side effects development, patients receiving haloperidol require monitoring, especially when receiving the intramuscular form. It can be easily monitored by taking blood levels. It has a therapeutic range of 2 to 15 ng/ml in serum. Blood levels should be monitored at 12-hour or 24-hour intervals or after the last dose of haloperidol use in a patient.
Option C: Although the client may experience increased concentration and activity, these effects are due to a decrease in symptoms, not the drug itself. Haloperidol is a first-generation (typical antipsychotic) which exerts its antipsychotic action by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain. When 72% of dopamine receptors are blocked, this drug achieves its maximal effect. Haloperidol is not selective for the D2 receptor. It also has noradrenergic, cholinergic, and histaminergic blocking action. The blocking of these receptors is associated with various side effects.
Option D: Haloperidol may produce anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, hence the health care provider will teach the client interventions to relieve symptoms such as chewing a sugarless hard candy or gum.