RN Exam Practice
Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 966 of 2368

A client taking haloperidol develops fever, severe muscle rigidity, confusion, and agitation. Which action should the nurse take first?

  1. Give the next scheduled dose and recheck in one hour
  2. Give a sedative and monitor the client at the next shift
  3. Hold the antipsychotic and notify the provider immediately
  4. Document the findings as expected side effects
Show answer

Correct answer: Hold the antipsychotic and notify the provider immediately

These signs suggest neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which is fatal. The antipsychotic is stopped and the provider is notified right away.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Mental Health Conditions: Antipsychotics. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026