Extrapyramidal Side Effects

Question 1

What are extrapyramidal side effects (EPS)?

Answer 1

EPS are drug-induced movement disorders associated with antipsychotic medications.

Question 2

Name one common symptom of EPS.

Answer 2

Tardive dyskinesia.

Question 3

True or False: EPS can occur with both typical and atypical antipsychotics.

Answer 3

True.

Question 4

What is the primary etiology of EPS?

Answer 4

Dopamine receptor blockade in the central nervous system.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: The primary neurotransmitter involved in EPS is ______.

Answer 5

Dopamine.

Question 6

What is akathisia?

Answer 6

A state of inner restlessness and an uncontrollable need to be in constant motion.

Question 7

Which group of medications is most commonly associated with EPS?

Answer 7

Antipsychotic medications.

Question 8

Name a nursing intervention to monitor for EPS.

Answer 8

Regularly assess the patient for abnormal movements or symptoms.

Question 9

What is the treatment for acute dystonia?

Answer 9

Anticholinergic medications such as benztropine.

Question 10

True or False: EPS can be permanent in some cases.

Answer 10

True.

Question 11

What is the role of the nurse in preventing EPS?

Answer 11

Educating patients about symptoms and monitoring for early signs.

Question 12

What is neuroleptic malignant syndrome?

Answer 12

A life-threatening condition associated with antipsychotic medications characterized by severe muscle rigidity and autonomic dysfunction.

Question 13

Which symptom is NOT associated with EPS?

Answer 13

Increased appetite.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: The risk of EPS is higher in ______ antipsychotics.

Answer 14

Typical.

Question 15

What is the first-line treatment for akathisia?

Answer 15

Beta-blockers or benzodiazepines.

Question 16

Identify one long-term complication of EPS.

Answer 16

Tardive dyskinesia.

Question 17

What is the best practice for patients starting antipsychotic therapy?

Answer 17

Baseline assessment for movement disorders and regular follow-ups.

Question 18

True or False: Stopping the antipsychotic medication immediately is always the best response to EPS.

Answer 18

False.

Question 19

What is the significance of the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)?

Answer 19

It is used to assess and monitor movement disorders in patients on antipsychotics.

Question 20

What is the most common age group affected by tardive dyskinesia?

Answer 20

Older adults.

Question 21

Name a non-pharmacological approach to managing EPS.

Answer 21

Patient education and support.

Question 22

What type of antipsychotic is less likely to cause EPS?

Answer 22

Atypical antipsychotics.

Question 23

True or False: EPS symptoms can appear immediately after starting antipsychotic treatment.

Answer 23

True.

Question 24

What is the mechanism of action for anticholinergics in treating EPS?

Answer 24

They restore the balance between dopamine and acetylcholine.

Question 25

What is the primary goal of nursing administration in patients at risk for EPS?

Answer 25

To minimize the risk of developing side effects.

Question 26

Fill in the blank: Patients should be educated about the risk of ______ when taking antipsychotics.

Answer 26

EPS.

Question 27

Which symptom indicates the presence of acute dystonia?

Answer 27

Sustained muscle contractions.

Question 28

What is the role of benzodiazepines in managing EPS?

Answer 28

They can help alleviate anxiety and agitation associated with akathisia.

Question 29

What is the primary focus of prevention strategies for EPS?

Answer 29

Early detection and intervention.

Question 30

True or False: EPS is only a concern for patients taking high doses of antipsychotics.

Answer 30

False.

Question 31

What is the preferred method for assessing EPS in clinical settings?

Answer 31

Regular clinical evaluations and standardized scales.

Question 32

What is the significance of monitoring vital signs in patients with EPS?

Answer 32

To identify potential complications such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Question 33

Which medication class is primarily used to treat EPS symptoms?

Answer 33

Anticholinergics.

Question 34

What is one potential risk of long-term use of antipsychotics?

Answer 34

Development of tardive dyskinesia.

Question 35

What is the initial nursing action when a patient exhibits EPS symptoms?

Answer 35

Notify the healthcare provider.

Question 36

Fill in the blank: EPS can lead to significant ______ in quality of life.

Answer 36

Deterioration.

Question 37

What is the relationship between EPS and the dosage of antipsychotics?

Answer 37

Higher doses increase the risk of EPS.

Question 38

True or False: EPS can be reversed if caught early.

Answer 38

True.

Question 39

What is a common early sign of EPS?

Answer 39

Restlessness or agitation.

Question 40

What should be included in a patient education plan regarding EPS?

Answer 40

Information on recognizing symptoms and when to seek help.

Question 41

What is the potential impact of EPS on medication adherence?

Answer 41

Patients may stop taking medication due to unpleasant side effects.

Question 42

Fill in the blank: The use of ______ can help mitigate the risk of EPS.

Answer 42

Atypical antipsychotics.

Question 43

What is the priority intervention for a patient diagnosed with neuroleptic malignant syndrome?

Answer 43

Immediate medical attention and discontinuation of the antipsychotic.

Question 44

What should be monitored in patients receiving antipsychotics to prevent EPS?

Answer 44

Movement disorders and side effects.

Question 45

What is the impact of early detection of EPS on patient outcomes?

Answer 45

It can lead to better management and reduced long-term effects.

Question 46

What type of scale is used to monitor tardive dyskinesia specifically?

Answer 46

The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS).

Question 47

True or False: EPS can only occur with antipsychotic medications.

Answer 47

False.

Question 48

What is an important consideration when prescribing antipsychotics?

Answer 48

Balancing efficacy with the risk of EPS.

Question 49

What is the primary goal of EPS treatment?

Answer 49

To alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Question 50

Fill in the blank: Patients should be informed that EPS symptoms can ______.

Answer 50

Worsen over time.