Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a patient with tardive dyskinesia?

Tardive dyskinesia is a serious and often irreversible condition characterized by involuntary movements, typically caused by prolonged use of antipsychotic medications. This condition results from dopamine receptor sensitivity changes due to the sustained antagonism of dopamine receptors.

Lowering the dose of antipsychotics is an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with tardive dyskinesia because reducing the medication can help decrease the severity of symptoms. This strategy aims to minimize the continued exposure to the drug that is contributing to the development or worsening of tardive dyskinesia.

In some cases, the healthcare provider may also consider switching to a different medication that has less risk for tardive dyskinesia or adopting a strategy that includes other medications aimed at alleviating the symptoms. However, the primary immediate intervention is to reduce the antipsychotic dosage whenever it is feasible and safe to do so in order to manage the condition and promote better patient outcomes.

The other options, such as administering benztropine or increasing the dose of antipsychotics, are not appropriate because they do not address the underlying problem of tardive dyskinesia and may potentially worsen the situation. Encouraging recreational activities may be beneficial for overall well-being