A patient being treated with haloperidol for symptoms of delirium has a blood pressure reading of 190/110 mm Hg.Which nursing action is priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Haloperidol can cause elevated blood pressure as an adverse effect. A reading of 190/110 mm Hg is considered hypertensive crisis and needs immediate intervention. The priority nursing action is to hold the haloperidol dose and collaborate with the prescriber because halting the medication can decrease blood pressure significantly. The patient may also require additional pharmacological interventions or non-pharmacological measures such as intravenous fluids or close monitoring of their blood pressure. Encouraging the patient to drink fluids may not address the hypertensive crisis promptly. Contacting the prescriber about an increase in dosage is inappropriate since the medication is causing an adverse effect. Placing the patient on seizure precautions is not necessary in this situation.

A Patient Being Treated with Haloperidol for Symptoms of Delirium