Author Question: A client with schizophrenia has developed tardive dyskinesia secondary to a psychotropic medication. ... (Read 105 times)

Caiter2013 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A client with schizophrenia has developed tardive dyskinesia secondary to a psychotropic medication. When a family member asks the nurse if anything can be done to stop the symptoms, the nurse should explain:

1. The physician will probably order an anticholinergic medication to reduce the symptoms.
2. If the lowest effective dose of the medication is given, the symptoms could decrease.
3. Another atypical antipsychotic medication will be given that doesn't have these side effects.
4. If the antipsychotic medication is stopped, these symptoms are reversible.

Question 2

A client in the mental health unit is being evaluated for schizophrenia. In addition to the client's having hallucinations, the nurse identifies which observation that would support the diagnosis?

1. The client is convinced he is Elvis Presley.
2. The client has frequent outbursts of yelling and shouting.
3. The client has had symptoms for over 30 days.
4. The client refuses to eat or come out of his room.

Tonyam972 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2

1. Anticholinergics do not help tardive dyskinesia.
2. If the lowest effective dose is given, the symptoms can sometimes be prevented.
3. Changing to another psychotropic medication might stop the progression of the tardive dyskinesia.
4. It is often irreversible.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 1

1. Delusions are a symptom characteristic of schizophrenia.
2. Outbursts of anger could be associated with many other mental health illnesses or a coping mechanism.
3. Symptoms must be present for more than 6 months to support the diagnosis.
4. Refusal to come out of his room could be associated with many other mental health illnesses or a coping mechanism.