What assessment finding indicates a therapeutic response to haloperidol in a client with schizophrenia?

What assessment finding indicates a therapeutic response to haloperidol in a client with schizophrenia?

• A. The client is experiencing delusions
• B. The client has become more quiet and unobtrusive
• C. The client reports no side effects
• D. The client interacts more with staff

Answer: (B)

The assessment finding that indicates a therapeutic response to haloperidol in a client with schizophrenia is the client becoming more quiet and unobtrusive. Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication primarily used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia, including positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. A therapeutic response is often characterized by a reduction in these disruptive symptoms, which allows the patient to become less agitated and more stable. In this context, becoming more quiet and unobtrusive suggests that the medication is effectively managing the hyperactivity, agitation, or psychotic symptoms that the client may have been displaying initially. It indicates a positive change in behavior, aligning with the goals of antipsychotic treatment to promote stability and a reduction of symptoms. The other choices represent either a continuation of symptoms or aspects not directly related to the therapeutic effectiveness of the medication. Experiencing delusions indicates ongoing psychotic symptoms, while interacting more with staff may not specifically reflect improved symptom control if anxiety or resistance continues. Reporting no side effects is more about tolerability than the effectiveness of the drug in managing the condition.

The assessment finding that indicates a therapeutic response to haloperidol in a client with schizophrenia is the client becoming more quiet and unobtrusive. Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication primarily used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia, including positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. A therapeutic response is often characterized by a reduction in these disruptive symptoms, which allows the patient to become less agitated and more stable.

In this context, becoming more quiet and unobtrusive suggests that the medication is effectively managing the hyperactivity, agitation, or psychotic symptoms that the client may have been displaying initially. It indicates a positive change in behavior, aligning with the goals of antipsychotic treatment to promote stability and a reduction of symptoms.

The other choices represent either a continuation of symptoms or aspects not directly related to the therapeutic effectiveness of the medication. Experiencing delusions indicates ongoing psychotic symptoms, while interacting more with staff may not specifically reflect improved symptom control if anxiety or resistance continues. Reporting no side effects is more about tolerability than the effectiveness of the drug in managing the condition.