A patient who takes haloperidol (Haldol) 10 mg/day orally ...

[tsand2]

A patient who takes haloperidol (Haldol) 10 mg/day orally developed restlessness, agitation, and an inability to sit still
 
  The nurse then administered a PRN dose of haloperidol 5 mg intramuscularly. One hour later the patient's symptoms were worse. What is the most likely explanation?
  a. The PRN medication has not yet taken effect.
  b. The patient needs an additional PRN dose of haloperidol to control the rising agitation.
  c. The patient was experiencing akathisia, which worsened after receiving the PRN medication.
  d. The nurse should consider an adjunctive dose of an antianxiety drug such as lorazepam (Ativan).

Question 2

A patient tells the nurse, I was raped a month ago
 
  Since then I've felt anxious and have been unable to talk normally to my husband. I've had frequent thoughts about cutting my wrists. What is the priority nursing concern regarding this patient?
  a. The risk for self-directed violence
  b. The development of rape traumatic syndrome
  c. The damage that could result in poor self-esteem
  d. The demonstration of signs and symptoms of acute anxiety

[quynhmickitran]

Answer to Question 1

C
Akathisia is characterized by subjective feelings of restlessness accompanied by the inability to sit still and the need to pace. It is an EPSE of antipsychotic medication, made more intense by higher doses of medication and use of PRN doses. It is unnecessary to change to a more sedating drug. The addition of an antianxiety drug is unnecessary.

Answer to Question 2

A
The risk for self-injury is of highest priority, because patient safety is involved.

[tsand2]

Excellent

[okolip]

Great answer, keep it coming