Which assessment tool is used to monitor clients for Tardive Dyskinesia?

Choice A rationale: absence of physical and mental movement refers to catatonia that can occur in severe depression or schizophrenia.
Choice B rationale: akinesia refers to the absence of voluntary movement and can be seen in individuals with Parkinson’s disease or as a side effect of some antipsychotic medications.
Choice C rationale: these are signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia which is a serious side effect of antipsychotic therapy resulting from the damage of nerve cells controlling movement and is irreversible especially when detected late.
Choice D rationale: this refers to dystonia which is a condition characterized by abnormal muscle tone resulting in painful muscle spasms and abnormal postures. This is a side effect of some antipsychotic medications.

Choice A rationale: The AIMS Scale refers to the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale and is used in the assessment of patients for the presence of involuntary movements across body regions. The score ranges from zero which denotes the absence of dyskinesia and four which stands for severe, maximal amplitude and persistence of the abnormal movements during the examination period. It is also used to monitor clients with tardive dyskinesia.
Choice B rationale: the Hamilton scale is a multiple-item questionnaire used in the assessment of clients for depression and provides a guide for patient recovery evaluation.
Choice C rationale: the Braden Scale is used in the assessment of clients for the risk of pressure ulcers.
Choice D rationale: the Morse Scale is a Fall Risk Assessment tool used in assessing the probability of a client sustaining a fall.