Question

A client is prescribed a new antipsychotic medication. The nurse is teaching the client about possible side effects including tardive dyskinesia (TD). Which statement is accurate about tardive dyskinesia?

A
TD occurs within minutes of the first dose of any antipsychotic drug
B
The high fever, sweating, and muscle stiffness will last about one week
C
The longer someone is treated with an antipsychotic medication, the higher the risk for developing TD Correct Answer (Blank)
D
Almost every client treated with antipsychotic medications will eventually develop TD

Answer 1

The correct statement about tardive dyskinesia (TD) is that the longer a person is treated with antipsychotic medications, the higher the risk of developing TD. It is a side effect characterized by involuntary movements, especially of the face.

Step-by-step explanation:

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a serious side effect that can occur in patients who are treated with antipsychotic medications, particularly after long-term use. TD is characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements, most often affecting the face, such as grimacing, sticking out the tongue, or smacking the lips.

The correct statement regarding TD is that the longer someone is treated with an antipsychotic medication, the higher the risk for developing TD (C). It is not true that almost every client treated with antipsychotic medications will develop TD (D), nor does TD occur within minutes of the first dose (A). The symptoms described in option B are more indicative of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which is a different potential side effect of antipsychotic drugs.