A patient with schizophrenia is acutely disturbed and violent.After several doses of haloperidol (Haldol),the patient is calm.Two hours later the nurse sees the patient's head rotated to one side in a stiff position;the lower jaw is thrust forward,and the patient is drooling.Which problem is most likely?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acute dystonic reactions involve painful contractions of the tongue,face,neck,and back;opisthotonos and oculogyric crisis may be observed.Dystonic reactions are considered emergencies that require immediate intervention.Tardive dyskinesia involves involuntary spasmodic muscular contractions that involve the tongue,fingers,toes,neck,trunk,or pelvis;it appears after prolonged treatment.Waxy flexibility is a symptom observed in catatonic schizophrenia.Akathisia is evidenced by internal and external restlessness,pacing,and fidgeting.

A Patient with Schizophrenia Is Acutely Disturbed and Violent