The psychiatrist prescribes haloperidol (Haldol) 50 mg bid, benztropine (Cogentin) 1 mg prn, and zolpidem (Ambien) 10 mg at bedtime for a client with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Which client behavior would warrant the nurse to administer benztropine?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Benztropine is prescribed to help manage extrapyramidal side effects of haloperidol, such as muscle rigidity. Tactile hallucinations and reports of hearing disturbing voices may require a change in antipsychotic medication or dose adjustment, while tardive dyskinesia is a side effect that develops gradually over time and would not warrant immediate use of benztropine.

The Psychiatrist Prescribes Haloperidol (Haldol) 50 Mg Bid, Benztropine (Cogentin)