CEA Nursing Practice Exam

What is the best strategy for managing lip smacking and uncontrolled movements in a patient on haloperidol?

1. Continue with haloperidol (Haldol) as this is expected

2. Switch to quetiapine (Seroquel)

3. Increase the dose of haloperidol (Haldol) as these side effects are common at lower doses

4. Switch to pimozide (Ozap)

The correct answer is: Switch to quetiapine (Seroquel)

For a patient experiencing lip smacking and uncontrolled movements while on haloperidol, switching to quetiapine is the best strategy. These symptoms are indicative of tardive dyskinesia, a potential side effect of long-term use of first-generation antipsychotics like haloperidol. Quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, has a more favorable side effect profile, particularly in terms of movement disorders. By transitioning the patient to quetiapine, there is a lower risk of exacerbating movement disorders, as atypical antipsychotics generally have a reduced likelihood of causing such symptoms compared to first-generation agents. In managing such side effects, it's crucial to consider the adverse effects associated with ongoing therapy. Continuing with haloperidol would not be appropriate, as it could lead to further complications and does not address the current symptoms. Increasing the dose of haloperidol would likely worsen the movement symptoms instead of alleviating them. Switching to pimozide, another antipsychotic, might not provide the safety net against movement disorders that quetiapine offers. Each of these alternatives fails to adequately consider the long-term management of side effects associated with antipsychotic medications, whereas quetiapine presents