A client diagnosed with schizophrenia, paranoid type, was admitted to the hospital, and haloperidol (Haldol) was begun. The nurse would assess for neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) if the client had a:
1. 30 mm Hg decrease in blood pressure reading
2. Respiratory rate of 24 respirations per minute
3. Temperature reading of 104ยบ F
4. Pulse rate of 70 beats per minute
ANS: 3
Increased temperature is the cardinal sign of NMS. Option 1: This is not a significant feature of NMS. Options 2 and 4: These are not significant findings.
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