The family of a patient who was prescribed chlorpromazine (Thorazine) report that the patient continually rolls his tongue and smacks his lips. What is the nurse's best action?
a. Reassure the patient and family that this response is an expected side effect of the drug.
b. Instruct the family to ensure that the patient drinks plenty of fluids and performs oral hygiene at least three times daily.
c. Instruct the family to hold the next dose of the drug and have the patient seen by the prescriber as soon as possible.
d. Emphasize to the family that this drug cannot be stopped quickly and to gradually reduce the dose over a 2- to 3-week period.
C
The patient's behaviors of tongue rolling and lip smacking are symptoms of tardive dyskinesia associated with chlorpromazine therapy. This neurologic problem can become permanent if the patient remains on the drug long-term. Chlorpromazine is an older antipsychotic drug and the patient may respond better to a newer one. Although stopping the drug quickly can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, these effects are not life threatening.
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