A patient with schizophrenia spectrum disorder presents to the emergency department (ED) with a temperature of 103.5o F. The nurse suspects the patient is experiencing neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), an adverse effect of his antipsychotic medication
For what other symptoms of NMS will nurse assess? Select all that apply.
1. Grimacing
2. Diaphoresis
3. Muscle rigidity
4. Increased blink rates
5. Autonomic dysfunction
Answer: 2, 3, 5
Explanation: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is rare, life-threatening, and sometimes fatal side effect of antipsychotic medications. Symptoms include body temperature that can increase to over 105o F, muscle rigidity, excessive sweating, difficulty swallowing, tremor, incontinence, changes in level of consciousness, inability to speak, autonomic dysfunction, leukocytosis, and elevated creatine kinase. Grimacing and increased blink rates are neurologic soft signs that may occur as symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and are not indicative of NMS.
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