A client taking chlorpromazine presents with a stooped posture, shuffling gait, and tremors. Which potential side effect should the nurse suspect?

Choice A reason: Pseudoparkinsonism is an extrapyramidal side effect caused by the dopamine-blocking effects of first-generation antipsychotics like chlorpromazine in the nigrostriatal pathway. It presents with the classic triad of Parkinson's symptoms: resting tremors, muscular rigidity (stooped posture), and bradykinesia, which often manifests as a shuffling gait. Choice B reason: Tardive dyskinesia is a late-onset adverse effect characterized by involuntary, choreoathetoid movements, typically of the tongue, face, and jaw. Unlike the stiff, slow movements of pseudoparkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia involves repetitive and purposeless movements like lip-smacking or tongue protrusion that may become permanent if not addressed. Choice C reason: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a rare but life-threatening emergency characterized by severe "lead-pipe" muscle rigidity, high fever (hyperpyrexia), autonomic instability, and altered mental status. While rigidity is present, the absence of high fever and diaphoresis in the prompt points toward a less critical extrapyramidal symptom. Choice D reason: Akathisia is characterized by a profound sense of inner restlessness and the inability to sit still. Patients often pace or tap their feet incessantly. It is a motor restlessness rather than the slowing of movement and tremors described in the clinical presentation of this specific client.