A child develops abnormal movements while receiving metoclopramide. Drag each statement into the appropriate category.
Matrix Multiple Choice
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
Neck twisting, an upward fixed gaze, facial grimacing, and involuntary tongue movement are extrapyramidal danger signs. Metoclopramide should be stopped and urgently evaluated rather than continued or increased.
Quick answer Separate protective responses from actions that prolong dopamine-blocking exposure.
Why this is correct Children have increased vulnerability to extrapyramidal reactions, and tardive dyskinesia can be irreversible. Treatment duration and cumulative exposure increase risk.
Easy analogy or mental picture Use a family-centered medication-safety loop: verify age or pregnancy context, identify the exposure and new cue, prevent further harm, stabilize the client, and confirm the response.
Memory hook Population, indication, dose or route, contraindication, urgent cue, protective action, and reassessment.
NCLEX decision rule Choose the action that protects the maternal, newborn, or pediatric client from the most immediate medication-related harm while preserving authorized treatment.
Why the other choices are wrong Options that normalize a danger sign, substitute an unapproved route or dose, or delay reassessment leave the client exposed to preventable harm.
References
1DailyMed: metoclopramide tabletsTardive dyskinesia boxed warning, pediatric extrapyramidal risk, neonatal methemoglobinemia risk, and discontinuation for abnormal movements
Maternal, newborn, and pediatric medication safety reviewVerify the client's age or pregnancy stage, indication, weight or laboratory context, route, interacting therapies, contraindications, caregiver teaching, and measurable follow-up.