A client being treated for chronic schizophrenia develops tardive dyskinesia. Which interventions will the nurse prepare to perform for this client?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Administering a prescribed lower dose of the antipsychotic medication
2. Administering a benzodiazepine as prescribed
3. Administering tapered doses of the antipsychotic medication
4. Administering a newly prescribed atypical antipsychotic medication
5. Administering a higher dose of the currently prescribed antipsychotic medication

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3,4
Rationale 1: For some clients, decreased doses of the antipsychotic medication help with the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.
Rationale 2: For some clients, a benzodiazepine helps with the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.
Rationale 3: For some clients, a gradual withdrawal of the antipsychotic medication helps with the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.
Rationale 4: For some clients, switching to an atypical antipsychotic medication helps with the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.
Rationale 5: A higher dose of the current antipsychotic medication will make the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia worse.
Global Rationale: For some clients, decreased doses of the antipsychotic medication, administering a benzodiazepine, gradually withdrawing the medication, or switching to an atypical mediation may help with the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia. A higher dose of the current antipsychotic medication will make the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia worse.