A nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia which has been treated with fluphenazine for several years. Which of the following findings should the nurse document as manifestations of tardive dyskinesia (TD)?
Shuffling gait
Sudden onset of high fever
Constant tapping of feet when sitting
Twisting tongue movements
The Correct Answer is D
A. A shuffling gait is more commonly associated with parkinsonism, a side effect of antipsychotic medications, rather than tardive dyskinesia.
B. A sudden onset of high fever could indicate neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which is a serious reaction to antipsychotic medications, not tardive dyskinesia.
C. Constant tapping of feet when sitting can indicate restlessness or akathisia, but it does not specifically represent tardive dyskinesia.
D. Twisting tongue movements are a classic manifestation of tardive dyskinesia, characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and extremities, which may develop after long-term use of antipsychotic medications like fluphenazine.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Asking what the usual pill looks like may not provide clarity and does not address the client's concern directly.
B. While the statement is accurate, it does not provide the client with reassurance or address the reason for the difference in appearance.
C. This response acknowledges the client's concern, offers an explanation about variations in medication appearance due to different manufacturers, and reassures the client that it is the same medication prescribed.
D. Suggesting that the pill is from a different lot number does not address the fact that variations in appearance can occur due to different manufacturers, which is more common and relevant to the situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hair loss is not a recognized long-term side effect of phenytoin.
B. Phenytoin is used to prevent seizures, not cause them; a reoccurrence of seizures may indicate ineffective control or medication issues, but it is not a side effect.
C. Hypertension is not typically associated with phenytoin use.
D. Gingival hyperplasia, or overgrowth of gum tissue, is a common long-term side effect of phenytoin and requires regular dental hygiene and monitoring.