Which medication might cause lip smacking, jaw clenching, and repeated tongue protrusions in a client?

Prepare for the VATI Mental Health Assessment. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The symptoms described—lip smacking, jaw clenching, and repeated tongue protrusions—are indicative of tardive dyskinesia, which is a movement disorder often associated with the use of antipsychotic medications. Haloperidol, a typical antipsychotic, is particularly known for its potential to cause such extrapyramidal symptoms, including tardive dyskinesia. This risk is due to the way haloperidol interacts with dopamine receptors in the brain, leading to abnormal involuntary movements over time.

On the other hand, while olanzapine, risperidone, and quetiapine are also antipsychotics, they are classified as atypical antipsychotics. These medications typically have a lower risk of causing tardive dyskinesia compared to typical antipsychotics like haloperidol. Atypical antipsychotics act on a broader range of neurotransmitter receptors and are less likely to cause the specific movement disorders that are characteristic of haloperidol use. Consequently, the symptoms presented align more closely with the use of haloperidol than with the other medications listed.

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