Which side effects would the nurse most likely observe with fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin)?

Which side effects would the nurse most likely observe with fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin)?

• A. High extrapyramidal effects, low anticholinergic effects
• B. High anticholinergic effects, low extrapyramidal effects
• C. Risk for agranulocytosis, fever, and elevated blood pressure
• D. Blood dyscrasias such as thrombocytopenia

Answer: (A)

High potency typical antipsychotics like fluphenazine produce extrapyramidal symptoms because they strongly block dopamine D2 receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway. This leads to movement disorders such as dystonia, parkinsonism, akathisia, and potentially tardive dyskinesia. These drugs have relatively little anticholinergic activity, so anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation) are not prominent. The decanoate long-acting form maintains steady dopamine blockade over time, so EPS risk remains a key concern with this medication. Hematologic risks like agranulocytosis or thrombocytopenia are not characteristic of fluphenazine, being more associated with other antipsychotics such as clozapine. So the most likely side-effect pattern with fluphenazine decanoate is a high risk of extrapyramidal symptoms with low anticholinergic effects.

High potency typical antipsychotics like fluphenazine produce extrapyramidal symptoms because they strongly block dopamine D2 receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway. This leads to movement disorders such as dystonia, parkinsonism, akathisia, and potentially tardive dyskinesia. These drugs have relatively little anticholinergic activity, so anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation) are not prominent. The decanoate long-acting form maintains steady dopamine blockade over time, so EPS risk remains a key concern with this medication. Hematologic risks like agranulocytosis or thrombocytopenia are not characteristic of fluphenazine, being more associated with other antipsychotics such as clozapine. So the most likely side-effect pattern with fluphenazine decanoate is a high risk of extrapyramidal symptoms with low anticholinergic effects.