A patient begins therapy with a phenothiazine medication. What teaching should the nurse provide related to the drug's strong dopaminergic effect?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phenothiazines block dopamine receptors in both the limbic system and basal ganglia. Movement disorders and motor abnormalities (extrapyramidal side effects), such as parkinsonism, akinesia, akathisia, dyskinesia, and tardive dyskinesia, are likely to occur early in the course of treatment. They are often heralded by sensations of muscle stiffness. Early intervention with antiparkinsonism medication can increase the patient's comfort and prevent dystonic reactions. The distracters are related to anticholinergic effects.

A Patient Begins Therapy with a Phenothiazine Medication