A hospitalized client who has been taking an antipsychotic medication for 2 weeks begins pacing and walking throughout the unit. The client tells the nurse, "I cannot sit still." The nurse documents this finding using what term?

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The client's inability to "sit still" and the client's frequent pacing are termed akathisia, an extrapyramidal effect of the antipsychotic medication. Akinesia is slowed movements. Dystonia involves involuntary muscle spasms that lead to abnormal postures, especially of the head and neck muscles. Pseudoparkinsonism includes rigidity, slowed movements, and tremor.

A Hospitalized Client Who Has Been Taking an Antipsychotic Medication