A patient has taken a traditional antipsychotic medication for several years is now demonstrating involuntary tongue movements and lip smacking.What should be the nurse's initial action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms are indicative of tardive dyskinesia, a common side effect of long-term use of traditional antipsychotics. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately so that the medication regimen can be reevaluated and adjusted as needed. Administering an anticholinergic drug may worsen the situation and is not considered a first-line treatment option. Implementing behavioral modification techniques or counseling the patient about social ramifications may be helpful, but they should not be the initial action taken without addressing the underlying issue of medication side effects.

A Patient Has Taken a Traditional Antipsychotic Medication for Several