A patient who is receiving an antipsychotic drug is restless, paces, and cannot sit still when watching television.The patient says, "I couldn't sleep last night because I needed to pace." What is the expected intervention by the patient's primary health care provider?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are indicative of akathisia, a common side effect of antipsychotic drugs characterized by restlessness and an inability to stay still. An anticholinergic drug can help alleviate these symptoms by counteracting the imbalance of neurotransmitters caused by the antipsychotic medication.

A Patient Who Is Receiving an Antipsychotic Drug Is Restless