A client with psychotic depression is receiving haloperidol (Haldol). Which of the following side effects is associated with haloperidol?

Appeared in: DHS 2018 shift 1st

Explanation

Haloperidol is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic with high potency, meaning it strongly blocks dopamine D2 receptors.
This potent D2 blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway of the brain leads to a high incidence of movement-related side effects known as Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS).
Akathisia, characterized by an intense inner restlessness and a compelling need to move, is the most common acute EPS associated with haloperidol.
The other options are not characteristic side effects of haloperidol but are associated with other medications or are part of a different, more severe syndrome.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option B: Cataracts are not a recognized side effect of haloperidol.
Option C: Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) is not a common, direct side effect of haloperidol.
Option D: Polyuria (excessive urination) is not a side effect of haloperidol.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Side effects of typical antipsychotic medications as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must vigilantly monitor patients on haloperidol for signs of EPS, as they are common, distressing, and can significantly impact treatment adherence.
Early identification of akathisia is crucial. It can be mistaken for worsening psychosis or agitation, which could lead a provider to inappropriately increase the antipsychotic dose, thereby worsening the side effect.
Patient education should include clear information about these potential side effects and the importance of reporting any new feelings of restlessness, muscle stiffness, or involuntary movements immediately.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the drug mentioned in the question: Haloperidol (Haldol).
Next, classify the drug. Haloperidol is a first-generation, high-potency 'typical' antipsychotic.
Recall the characteristic side effect profile for this drug class. High-potency typical antipsychotics are well-known for causing a high rate of Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS).
Examine the options provided and identify which one is a type of EPS.
Akathisia is a classic and very common form of EPS. The other options (Cataracts, Diaphoresis, Polyuria) are side effects of different drug classes or part of a different syndrome.
Based on this pharmacological knowledge, select Akathisia as the correct side effect associated with haloperidol.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Side effects of typical antipsychotic medications
Stem keywords: haloperidol, Haldol, psychotic depression, side effects
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following
Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QIu6_zTZYvcG5LGhSWNx96

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 9897-9899

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 1 p. 288-290

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 1136-1138

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