Question

While providing care to a client receiving antipsychotic therapy, the nurse suspects that the client is experiencing tardive dyskinesia based on which finding?

1) restlessness
2) blurred vision
3) sudden fever
4) involuntary movements

Answer 1

The nurse is correct to suspect tardive dyskinesia based on the observation of involuntary movements, a recognized side effect of long-term antipsychotic medication use, differentiated from symptoms like restlessness or blurred vision.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse suspecting tardive dyskinesia in a client receiving antipsychotic therapy is likely observing involuntary movements. This condition is a possible side effect of prolonged use of neuroleptic drugs, which can impact the ability to control voluntary movements. Unlike restlessness, blurred vision, or sudden fever, tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements that may include grimacing, tongue movements, lip smacking, and blinking.

It can develop after long-term use of antipsychotic medication, which may affect regions of the central nervous system responsible for motor control. Patients with conditions like Parkinson's disease often display similar motor control issues, caused by degeneration within the nervous system. However, tardive dyskinesia is not caused by such degeneration, but rather as an adverse drug reaction.