Schizophrenia Q 39
Important teaching for clients receiving antipsychotic medication such as haloperidol (Haldol) includes which of the following instructions? Select all that apply.
A. Use sunscreen because of photosensitivity.
B. Take the antipsychotic medication with food.
C. Have routine blood tests to determine levels of the medication.
D. Abstain from eating aged cheese.
Correct Answers: A & B
Photosensitivity is an adverse effect of many drugs, characteristically producing skin lesions in the areas exposed to light, which includes the face, “V” area of the neck, extensor surfaces of forearms, and dorsa of hands with sparing of submental and retroauricular areas. Two major mechanisms mediating drug-induced photosensitivity reactions are phototoxic and photoallergic responses. Antipsychotics should be taken with food to avoid gastric upset.
Option C: 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 D: MAOIs prevent the breakdown of tyramine found in the body as well as certain foods, drinks, and other medications. Patients that take MAOIs and consume tyramine-containing foods or drinks will exhibit high serum tyramine level. Examples of high levels of tyramine in food are types of fish, as well as types of meat, including sausage, turkey, liver, and salami. Also, certain fruits can contain tyramine like overripe fruits, avocados, bananas, raisins, or figs. Further examples are cheeses, alcohol, and fava beans; all of these should be avoided even after two weeks of stopping MAOIs.