Psychotic Disorders no. 4085
QUESTION: A client who's taking antipsychotic medication develops a very high temperature, severe muscle rigidity, tachycardia, and rapid deterioration in mental status. The nurse suspects what complication of antipsychotic therapy?
✘O a.) Agranulocytosis
✘O b.) Extrapyramidal effects
✘O c.) Anticholinergic effects
✓O d.) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
RATIONALERATIONALE: NMS is a rare but potentially fatal condition of antipsychotic medication. It generally starts with an elevated temperature and severe extrapyramidal effects. Agranulocytosis is a blood disorder. Anticholinergic effects include blurred vision, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Symptoms of extrapyramidal effects include tremors, restlessness, muscle spasms, and pseudoparkinsonism.NURSING PROCESS STEP: AssessmentCLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrityCLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Pharmacological and parenteral therapiesCOGNITIVE LEVEL: Analysis
