A client who has been prescribed risperidone displays signs of pseudoparkinsonism. What is the priority action the nurse should take?

Choice A reason: Increasing the dose of risperidone would likely exacerbate pseudoparkinsonism. These symptoms are caused by the blockade of dopamine D2 receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway; adding more of the offending agent would worsen the imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine, leading to increased rigidity and tremors. Choice B reason: While education is important for long-term management, it is not the priority action when a client is suffering from acute, distressing extrapyramidal symptoms. The immediate goal is to alleviate the physical discomfort and functional impairment caused by the drug-induced parkinsonian symptoms through pharmacological intervention. Choice C reason: Monitoring symptoms over time is insufficient because pseudoparkinsonism typically does not resolve without intervention as long as the antipsychotic remains at the same dose. Delaying treatment can lead to decreased medication adherence and prolonged physical distress, which may negatively impact the client's overall psychiatric prognosis. Choice D reason: Pseudoparkinsonism results from a relative deficiency of dopamine and an excess of cholinergic activity. Administering an anticholinergic medication, such as benztropine or trihexyphenidyl, restores the chemical balance in the basal ganglia, rapidly relieving the muscle stiffness, shuffling gait, and tremors associated with the antipsychotic medication.