LMSW Practice Test

A 40-year-old man on neuroleptic medication for the past four months begins to exhibit involuntary rapid and jerky movements with his tongue and jaw. A social worker should:

1. notify the psychiatrist that the client is exhibiting symptoms that suggest Tardive's Dyskinesia

2. rely on the client's psychiatrist to review the client's medication

3. suggest that the medication be decreased

4. suggest that the medication be increased

The correct answer is: notify the psychiatrist that the client is exhibiting symptoms that suggest Tardive's Dyskinesia

The correct approach in this scenario is to notify the psychiatrist that the client is exhibiting symptoms that suggest Tardive Dyskinesia, a potential side effect of long-term neuroleptic medication use. Tardive Dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements, often involving the tongue, jaw, and face, and can emerge after prolonged exposure to antipsychotic medications. By informing the psychiatrist, the social worker takes an appropriate action to ensure the client receives a thorough assessment and any necessary adjustments to their medication regimen. This action is crucial since the psychiatrist is responsible for managing medication and can evaluate the client's symptoms in the context of therapeutic efficacy versus side effects. The other choices suggest modifying medication without proper consultation or assessment. While the psychiatrist is indeed responsible for reviewing the client's medication, suggesting adjustments or relying solely on the psychiatrist without communicating the observed symptoms may not adequately address the immediate concerns about the client's health. Therefore, the most responsible action is to communicate the observed symptoms to the psychiatrist for further evaluation.