Age Specific Considerations in Patient Care Related

Review Age Specific Considerations in Patient 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: The correct answer is B: tardive dyskinesia"¦administer the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale.

1. Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications like fluphenazine.
2. The symptoms described - grimacing, lip smacking, twisting neck and shoulders - are characteristic of tardive dyskinesia.
3. Administering the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale is the appropriate assessment tool for diagnosing tardive dyskinesia.
4. Agranulocytosis (choice A) is a rare but serious side effect of some antipsychotic medications, not associated with the symptoms described.
5. Tourette's syndrome (choice C) typically presents with vocal and motor tics, not the specific symptoms mentioned.
6. Anticholinergic effects (choice D) can cause dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision, but not the involuntary movements described.