What cardiac concerns should clinicians monitor with antipsychotics?

• A. QT prolongation, arrhythmias, orthostatic hypotension
• B. Only blood pressure
• C. Heart rate variability only
• D. No cardiac monitoring needed

Answer: (A)

The main idea is understanding cardiovascular risks that antipsychotics can introduce and how clinicians watch for them. Antipsychotics can prolong the QT interval, which raises the risk of dangerous rhythm disorders such as torsades de pointes. Because of this, baseline and periodic ECG monitoring (QTc) is important, along with checking electrolytes like potassium and magnesium and avoiding combining with other drugs that also prolong the QT. In addition, many antipsychotics cause orthostatic hypotension due to alpha-1 blockade, so monitoring blood pressure and pulse when moving from sitting or lying down to standing is essential to prevent dizziness or falls. While some patients may experience tachycardia or chest symptoms that require separate evaluation for other cardiac issues, the core monitoring focuses on QT interval, potential arrhythmias, and orthostatic changes. Other options miss these key risks by looking only at blood pressure or heart rate variability or by suggesting no monitoring at all.