Psychotic Disorders no. 4013
QUESTION: A client with chronic schizophrenia who takes neuroleptic medication is admitted to the psychiatric unit. Nursing assessment reveals rigidity, fever, hypertension, and diaphoresis. These findings suggest which life-threatening reaction:
✘O a.) tardive dyskinesia.
✘O b.) dystonia.
✓O c.) neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
✘O d.) akathisia.
RATIONALERATIONALE: The client's signs and symptoms suggest neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a life-threatening reaction to neuroleptic medication that requires immediate treatment. Tardive dyskinesia causes involuntary movements of the tongue, mouth, facial muscles, and arm and leg muscles. Dystonia is characterized by cramps and rigidity of the tongue, face, neck, and back muscles. Akathisia causes restlessness, anxiety, and jitteriness.NURSING PROCESS STEP: AssessmentCLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrityCLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Pharmacological and parenteral therapiesCOGNITIVE LEVEL: Knowledge
