A patient on high-dose haloperidol develops a yellowish tinge of skin or eyes. What action should the practical nurse take?

A patient on high-dose haloperidol develops a yellowish tinge of skin or eyes. What action should the practical nurse take?

• A. Mr. Fraser complains he feels sleepy and tired.
• B. Mr. Fraser's skin and eye conjunctiva display a yellowish tinge.
• C. Mr. Fraser states he is dizzy when he stands.
• D. Mr. Fraser displays extrapyramidal symptoms.

Answer: (B)

Jaundice from yellowing skin or eyes signals possible liver injury, which can occur with haloperidol, especially at high doses. The nurse should report this immediately to the prescribing clinician for urgent assessment and liver function testing, and monitor for other signs of liver dysfunction such as dark urine, pale stools, or right upper quadrant discomfort. While sedation, dizziness, or extrapyramidal symptoms can occur with haloperidol, they don’t explain the new jaundice and require separate evaluation.

Jaundice from yellowing skin or eyes signals possible liver injury, which can occur with haloperidol, especially at high doses. The nurse should report this immediately to the prescribing clinician for urgent assessment and liver function testing, and monitor for other signs of liver dysfunction such as dark urine, pale stools, or right upper quadrant discomfort. While sedation, dizziness, or extrapyramidal symptoms can occur with haloperidol, they don’t explain the new jaundice and require separate evaluation.