Age Specific Patient Care Quizlet Related

Review Age Specific Patient Care Quizlet related questions and content

A client who received chlorpromazine (Thorazine) for 15 years to treat schizophrenia developed tardive dyskinesia as evidenced by tongue thrusting and chewing motions. The physician discontinued the chlorpromazine and prescribed Seroquel (quetiapine). As a result of this change, the nurse should carefully monitor for:

  • A. Development of pseudoparkinsonism
  • B. Development of dystonic reactions
  • C. Improvement in tardive dyskinesia
  • D. Worsening of anticholinergic symptoms
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Improvement in tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect of long-term antipsychotic use, like chlorpromazine. Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic with a lower risk of causing tardive dyskinesia. By discontinuing chlorpromazine and switching to quetiapine, there is a higher likelihood of improvement or resolution of tardive dyskinesia symptoms. Options A and B are incorrect as they are related to other movement disorders caused by antipsychotics. Option D is incorrect as anticholinergic symptoms are not directly related to tardive dyskinesia improvement with the medication switch.