What should the nurse monitor for when administering haloperidol?

When administering haloperidol, it is crucial to monitor for movement disorders or tardive dyskinesia. Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as typical antipsychotics. One of the serious side effects associated with these medications is the development of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), which can include various movement disorders.

Tardive dyskinesia is a particularly significant concern as it involves involuntary, repetitive movements, often affecting the face and mouth, and can be permanent even after the medication is discontinued. This side effect arises from the drug's dopaminergic antagonism, which can disrupt normal motor control in the body. Regular monitoring for these symptoms allows for timely identification and management of side effects, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

While the other listed options represent important considerations in patient care, they are not the primary focus when monitoring a patient on haloperidol. For example, urinary incontinence may not be directly related to haloperidol use; cardiac arrhythmias are more associated with different types of medications or underlying conditions, and gastrointestinal bleeding is not a common side effect of this antipsychotic. Thus, vigilant monitoring for movement disorders remains a central aspect of