FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam 2026 - Free NABP Practice Questions and Study Guide

The AIMS, or Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale, is the correct choice for evaluating the severity of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). This tool was specifically designed to assess and quantify abnormal movements, particularly those associated with antipsychotic medications, which can lead to EPS.

AIMS consists of a series of items that evaluate movements of various body parts, and the scoring helps clinicians determine the presence and severity of these symptoms. The scale is widely recognized and utilized in both clinical and research settings, which underscores its importance in the assessment of patients experiencing EPS.

While other tools, such as the SAS (Simpson-Angus Scale), BARS (Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale), and ESRS (Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale), are used to assess various aspects of movement disorders and potential side effects of medications, AIMS remains the most relevant for specifically measuring the involuntary movements that characterize extrapyramidal symptoms. Each of those other scales has its specific use case, but AIMS is the most directly related to the evaluation of EPS severity.