The nurse notes that a client with schizophrenia sits in a chair ...

[tuffie]

The nurse notes that a client with schizophrenia sits in a chair rocking back and forth for long periods of time. The nurse should characterized this behavior as which of the following?
 
  A) A side effect of medication
  B) Catatonic stupor
  C) Catatonic excitement
  D) A sign of anxiety

Question 2

A client with a long history of schizophrenia has managed well on trifluoperazine (Stelazine).
 
  She calls her case manager to report that she keeps feeling like she wants to stick out her tongue and stare up at the ceiling. The nurse interprets the client's comments to mean she has which of the following?
  A) Signs of tardive dyskinesia (TD) associated with neuroleptic medication
  B) Psychomotor agitation associated with schizophrenia
  C) The typical bizarre behavior associated with schizophrenia
  D) An anticholinergic side effect associated with neuroleptic medications

[jessofishing]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
In catatonic excitement, clients may show uncontrolled and aimless motor activity. They may engage in repetitive stereotypic movements with no apparent purpose, such as rocking back and forth for hours. Clients also may manifest normal mannerisms out of context, such as grimacing for no reason.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: A
Feedback:
TD is a type of extrapyramidal side effect characterized by abnormal, involuntary, irregular, choreoathetoid (writhing) movements, which may include lip smacking, neck twisting, facial grimacing, and tongue and chewing movements. TD can occur after several months to years of therapy with traditional antipsychotics.