Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Mental Health Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence Related

Review Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Mental Health Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence related questions and content

A 10-year-old child with Tourette?s disorder is receiving haloperidol as part of his treatment plan. When assessing the child at a follow-up visit, which statement by the child would lead the nurse to suspect that he is experiencing a side effect of the drug?

  • A. Sometimes I feel like I?m so sleepy.
  • B. I?m eating about the same amount as before.
  • C. My muscles seem pretty flexible lately.
  • D. I think I?m much more alert with this drug.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Haloperidol, an antipsychotic, commonly causes sedation as a side effect, so the child?s report of feeling sleepy (option A) suggests this. Option B (unchanged eating) and option C (flexible muscles) are not typical side effects. Option D (increased alertness) is opposite to haloperidol?s sedative effect.