NCLEX-RN Question #464: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

The correct answer is B. Parkinsonism. (A) This answer is incorrect. Dystonia refers to severe, painful muscle contractions. (B) This answer is correct. Parkinsonism commonly occurs approximately 1-2 weeks after initiation of antipsychotic drug therapy. Traditional signs are masklike facies, postural rigidity, shuffli

Question

A 37-year-old client has been taking antipsychotic medication for the past 10 days. The nurse observes her walking with a shuffling gait and postural rigidity and notes a masklike expression on her face. Which side effect is this client exhibiting?

Options

ADystonia
BParkinsonism
CTardive dyskinesia
DAkathesia

Explanation

(A) This answer is incorrect. Dystonia refers to severe, painful muscle contractions. (B) This answer is correct. Parkinsonism commonly occurs approximately 1-2 weeks after initiation of antipsychotic drug therapy. Traditional signs are masklike facies, postural rigidity, shuffling gait, and resting tremor. (C) This answer is incorrect. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary muscle movements of the face, jaw, and tongue. (D) This answer is incorrect. Akathesia is motor restlessness.

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