Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 86%
Full-length
For the past several months, an elderly female client with Alzheimer's disease has experienced paranoia; hallucinations; and aggressive, disruptive behavior. The family is utilizing haloperidol as needed to control her behavior. On nursing assessment, you note that the client demonstrates involuntary movements of the tongue and fingers. This may most likely indicate:
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Tardive dyskinesia is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol. Discontinuing the medication can alleviate symptoms. Although mild tremors are an early sign of Parkinson's disease, haloperidol must be discontinued first and the client further evaluated. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate a more advanced stage of Alzheimer's disease. Most antipsychotic drugs are chemically similar and will produce the same side effects.