RN Nursing · Psychopharmacology · Practice question
Patient Data. Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices area to specify which condition____ the client is most likely experiencing, actions____ and ____ the nurse should take to address that condition, and parameters____ and ____ the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.
History and Physical
The client is a 38-year-old female who was brought to the hospital following a workplace accident. She has a deep laceration to her left thigh and a fracture of the left tibia. Her wound was cleaned and dressed in the emergency department (ED), and she was given 2 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). She received morphine 2 mg IV for pain during the procedure and cephalexin 1 gram IV as an antibiotic prophylaxis. She is being admitted for neurovascular checks and monitoring for bleeding.
The client has a history of bipolar disorder, and she takes chlorpromazine 25 mg PO 3 times a day.
The client is awake and alert.
Vital Signs
Temperature: 98.4° F (37° C) orally
Heart rate: 79 beats/minute
Respiratory rate: 16 breaths/minute
Blood pressure: 122/56 mm Hg
Pain: 3 on a 0 to 10 scale
Her left pedal pulses are present and equal to the right pedal pulse. Capillary refill to the left foot is 2 seconds. Mild edema noted to the left foot.
The client has a rhythmic protrusion and rolling of the tongue and involuntary movements of the face and shoulders.
Answer & explanation
Correct:
The clinical presentation — rhythmic protrusion and rolling of the tongue, involuntary movements of the face and shoulders, and a history of long-term chlorpromazine use (a first-generation antipsychotic) — is characteristic of tardive dyskinesia. This condition results from prolonged dopamine receptor blockade caused by antipsychotic medications, leading to abnormal involuntary movements. The first priority action is to hold the next dose of chlorpromazine, since continuing the offending agent can worsen the condition. The second action is to assess the client's medication history, which helps determine the duration of antipsychotic exposure, any recent dose changes, and whether other causative agents are involved. Giving diphenhydramine IV is appropriate for acute dystonia, not tardive dyskinesia, so that option is incorrect. Initiating fall precautions and giving a bolus of IV fluids address postural hypotension, which is not the primary concern here. For monitoring, extrapyramidal symptoms should be tracked to gauge whether the dyskinesia improves or worsens after the medication is held. Mental status is also an important parameter to monitor, as antipsychotic dose reduction can affect psychiatric stability. Standing blood pressure would be relevant for postural hypotension. Respiratory rate and pulse deficit are not the primary parameters for this condition. The keyed answer is verified as correct based on the clinical scenario.
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