A client currently taking a first-generation antipsychotic (FGA) comes to the clinic for evaluation. The client presents with a shuffling gait and mild tremors. Which order would the nurse expect the provider to give?

Intravenous (IV) administration of medication involves injecting the medication directly into a vein. This route of administration has the most rapid onset of action because the medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream and can be quickly distributed throughout the body.

Options a, b, and c are not correct because they do not have as rapid an onset of action as intravenous administration. Sublingual administration involves placing the medication under the tongue, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. Intradermal administration involves injecting the medication into the top layer of the skin. Subcutaneous administration involves injecting the medication into the fat tissue just under the skin. While these routes can be effective for delivering medication, they do not have as rapid an onset of action as intravenous administration.

Anticholinergic medications can be used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as tremors and shuffling gait that can occur as side effects of first-generation antipsychotics ¹².
Option A is not correct because a direct dopamine antagonist would not be used to treat EPS.
Option B is not correct because increasing the dose of the antipsychotic medication could worsen EPS.
Option C is not correct because withholding the medication for two days could lead to a relapse of the underlying condition being treated by the antipsychotic.