A patient is administered chlorpromazine for acute psychosis. The nurse should be alert for which potential side effect?

Explanation

• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), like most typical antipsychotics, can cause extrapyramidal side effects such as tardive dyskinesia, akathisia, and dystonia.

Extrapyramidal side effects include the following:

• Tardive dyskinesia refers to the spasmodic jerky movements of the tongue, lips, and face, though the back, extremities, and fingers may also be affected.

• Akathisia is motor restlessness, a distressing symptom in which the patient feels unable to be still. It may present as tension or acute anxiety.

• Parkinsonism is rigidity and tremor that causes the hallmark shuffling gait.

• Dystonia is continuous muscle spasms and contractions.

• Incorrect: Serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crisis have not been associated with the use of typical antipsychotics.

• Incorrect: Cerebral edema has been reported with the use of Thorazine, but this side effect is not common.

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