A nurse is caring for a client who has severe manifestations of schizophrenia and is medicated PRN for agitation with haloperidol. The nurse should assess the client for which of the following adverse effects?

Choice A reason: Bleeding is not a typical adverse effect of haloperidol. Antipsychotics do not directly affect platelet function or coagulation pathways. Bleeding would be more associated with anticoagulants or certain chemotherapeutic agents. Choice B reason: Pancreatitis is not a common adverse effect of haloperidol. Pancreatitis is more often linked to medications such as valproic acid or corticosteroids. Haloperidol’s mechanism of action does not involve pancreatic inflammation. Choice C reason: Cataracts are not associated with haloperidol use. Cataracts can occur with long-term use of certain medications such as corticosteroids, but haloperidol does not cause lens opacity. Choice D reason: Dysrhythmias are a known adverse effect of haloperidol. This medication can prolong the QT interval, leading to potentially life-threatening arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes. Monitoring cardiac function and ECG is essential when administering haloperidol, especially in clients with preexisting cardiac conditions.