If an elderly patient overdoses on Haldol, what is a major risk they face?

The major risk an elderly patient faces when overdosing on Haldol (haloperidol) is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). NMS is a rare but life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic medications, which can be exacerbated by overdosing. This syndrome is characterized by severe muscle rigidity, elevated temperatures, autonomic instability, and altered mental status.

Elderly patients are particularly vulnerable to experiencing NMS due to age-related physiological changes, potential polypharmacy, and the increased likelihood of dopamine receptor sensitivity. Recognizing the signs of NMS and intervening promptly is crucial for patient safety, making it essential for healthcare professionals to monitor elderly patients closely when they are administered antipsychotic medications like Haldol.

In considering the other risks, although cardiac arrest, seizures, and respiratory failure are concerns associated with various medication overdoses, they are not specifically linked to Haldol or more common in the context of its overdose as NMS is. Thus, understanding the specific risks associated with antipsychotic medications and the elderly population is vital in clinical practice.