Psychotic Disorders no. 4078

Psychotic Disorders no. 4078

QUESTION: A client with schizophrenia who receives fluphenazine (Prolixin) develops pseudoparkinsonism and akinesia. What drug would the nurse administer as ordered to minimize extrapyramidal symptoms?

✓O a.) benztropine (Cogentin)
✘O b.) dantrolene (Dantrium)
✘O c.) clonazepam (Klonopin)
✘O d.) diazepam (Valium)

RATIONALE

RATIONALE: Benztropine is an anticholinergic administered to reduce extrapyramidal adverse effects in the client taking antipsychotic drugs. It works by restoring the equilibrium between the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and dopamine in the central nervous system (CNS). Dantrolene, a hydantoin that reduces the catabolic processes, is administered to alleviate the symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a potentially fatal adverse effect of antipsychotic drugs. Clonazepam, a benzodiazepine that depresses the CNS, is administered to control seizure activity. Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, is administered to reduce anxiety.
NURSING PROCESS STEP: Planning
CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrity
CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies
COGNITIVE LEVEL: Application