An acutely violent patient diagnosed with schizophrenia received several doses of haloperidol. Two hours later the nurse notices the patient's head rotated to one side in a stiffly fixed position, the lower jaw thrust forward, and drooling. Which intervention by the nurse is indicated?

A) Administer diphenhydramine 50 mg IM from the prn medication administration record.
B) Reassure the patient that the symptoms will subside. Practice relaxation exercises with the patient.
C) Give trihexyphenidyl 5 mg orally at the next regularly scheduled medication administration time.
D) Administer atropine sulfate 2 mg subcut from the prn medication administration record.

Question

Adriana Ramos · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  Diphenhydramine, trihexyphenidyl, benztropine, and other anticholinergic medications may be used to treat dystonias. Swallowing will be difficult or impossible; therefore, oral medication is not an option. Medication should be administered immediately, so the intramuscular route is best. In this case, the best option given is diphenhydramine.

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