Which finding is most consistent with tardive dyskinesia in a client taking an antipsychotic medication?

Which finding is most consistent with tardive dyskinesia in a client taking an antipsychotic medication?

• A. Lip-smacking movement of the lips
• B. Tremor of the hands at rest
• C. Slowed speech with monotone voice
• D. Sedation and dizziness

Answer: (A)

Tardive dyskinesia is an extrapyramidal side effect that develops after long-term antipsychotic use and is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements most evident in the face and mouth. Lip-smacking is a classic example of these orofacial movements, reflecting the dyskinetic, repetitive jaw and lip actions seen with TD. Other options describe different conditions: a tremor at rest points more toward drug-induced parkinsonism, slowed speech with a monotone voice can also be parkinsonism or negative symptoms, and sedation or dizziness are nonspecific side effects. The distinctive, involuntary facial and lip movements of lip-smacking align best with tardive dyskinesia.

Tardive dyskinesia is an extrapyramidal side effect that develops after long-term antipsychotic use and is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements most evident in the face and mouth. Lip-smacking is a classic example of these orofacial movements, reflecting the dyskinetic, repetitive jaw and lip actions seen with TD.

Other options describe different conditions: a tremor at rest points more toward drug-induced parkinsonism, slowed speech with a monotone voice can also be parkinsonism or negative symptoms, and sedation or dizziness are nonspecific side effects. The distinctive, involuntary facial and lip movements of lip-smacking align best with tardive dyskinesia.