Psychotic Disorders no. 4085

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)

RATIONALE

RATIONALE: 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: Assessment
CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrity
CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies
COGNITIVE LEVEL: Analysis