A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with schizophrenia who has been treated with fluphenazine (Prolixin) for several years. Which of the following findings should the nurse document as manifestations of tardive dyskinesia (TD)?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason:A sudden onset of high fever is not a symptom of tardive dyskinesia (TD). High fever may indicate an infection or other serious conditions such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which is a different and more severe reaction to antipsychotic medicationsChoice B reason:Twisting tongue movements are a classic sign of tardive dyskinesia. TD is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, and purposeless movements that often affect the face, including the tongue. These movements result from long-term use of certain antipsychotic medications, like fluphenazine, which block dopamine receptors in the brain.Choice C reason:Constant tapping of the feet when sitting could be a sign of restlessness or akathisia, which is another side effect of antipsychotic medications but is not specifically indicative of tardive dyskinesia. TD typically involves more complex movements of the limbs, not just simple tapping.Choice D reason:A shuffling gait is more commonly associated with parkinsonism or pseudoparkinsonism, which can also be a side effect of antipsychotic medications. It is not a typical manifestation of tardive dyskinesia, which usually presents with involuntary movements of the face, tongue, and upper body