A nurse is caring for a client who has been treated for schizophrenia with a first-generation antipsychotic medication for the past year. It would be essential for the nurse to monitor the client for which side effect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tardive dyskinesia is late-appearing, abnormal involuntary movements. Therefore, it is essential that the nurse monitor the client for tardive dyskinesia at this time. Weight gain (not weight loss) and new onset of diabetes (hyperglycemia) are possible side effects of an antipsychotic. Torticollis, a dystonic reaction, would occur early in antipsychotic drug treatment.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Has Been