Population Based Care Related

Review Population Based Care related questions and content

A patient received maintenance doses of fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin Decanoate) 25 mg IM every 2 weeks for 2 years. The clinic nurse notes the patient is grimacing and seems to be constantly smacking her lips. On the next clinic visit, the patient's neck and shoulders twist in a slow, snakelike motion. The nurse should suspect the presence of ______ and should ______.

  • A. agranulocytosis"¦check the patient's complete blood count for changes
  • B. tardive dyskinesia"¦administer the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale
  • C. Tourette's syndrome"¦consult the patient's physician about a neuro evaluation
  • D. anticholinergic effects"¦consult the physician about possible medication changes
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: The patient is showing signs of abnormal movements like lip smacking, grimacing, and snakelike motions, which are indicative of tardive dyskinesia (TD).
Step 2: TD is a side effect of long-term antipsychotic use, such as fluphenazine decanoate.
Step 3: The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale is a validated tool to assess the severity of TD.
Step 4: Administering the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale will help confirm the diagnosis of TD.
Step 5: Prompt recognition of TD is crucial as it may be irreversible and can worsen over time if not addressed.

Summary:
- A: Agranulocytosis is a condition characterized by low white blood cell count, not related to the patient's symptoms.
- C: Tourette's syndrome presents with different symptoms and requires specialized evaluation.
- D: Anticholinergic effects do not typically manifest as the described