Psychotic Disorders no. 4086

Psychotic Disorders no. 4086

QUESTION: A client receiving haloperidol (Haldol) complains of a stiff jaw and difficulty swallowing. The nurse's first action is to:

✘O a.) reassure the client and administer as-needed lorazepam (Ativan) I.M.
✓O b.) administer an as-needed dose of benztropine (Cogentin) I.M. as ordered.
✘O c.) administer an as-needed dose of benztropine (Cogentin) by mouth as ordered.
✘O d.) administer an as-needed dose of haloperidol (Haldol) by mouth.

RATIONALE

RATIONALE: The client is most likely suffering from muscle rigidity due to haloperidol. I.M. benztropine should be administered to prevent asphyxia or aspiration. Lorazepam treats anxiety, not extrapyramidal effects. Another dose of haloperidol would increase the severity of the reaction.
NURSING PROCESS STEP: Implementation
CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrity
CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies
COGNITIVE LEVEL: Analysis