Saunders NCLEX RN Practice Questions Related

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Which of the following types of antipsychotic medications is most likely to produce extrapyramidal effects?

  • A. Atypical antipsychotic drugs
  • B. First-generation antipsychotic drugs
  • C. Third-generation antipsychotic drugs
  • D. Dopamine system stabilizers
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is first-generation antipsychotic drugs. These drugs are potent antagonists of D2, D3, and D4 receptors, making them effective in treating target symptoms but also leading to numerous extrapyramidal side effects due to the blockade of D2 receptors. Atypical or second-generation antipsychotic drugs, as mentioned in choice A, are relatively weak D2 blockers, which results in a lower incidence of extrapyramidal side effects. Third-generation antipsychotic drugs, as in choice C, and dopamine system stabilizers, as in choice D, are not typically associated with significant extrapyramidal effects compared to first-generation antipsychotics.