A patient prescribed an antipsychotic medication develops a high fever, unstable blood pressure, and muscle rigidity. Her next dose of medication is due. The nurse should:
a. Administer the medication and monitor the vital signs every 4 hours.
b. Give a lower dose of the medication for 24 hours and monitor the blood pressure.
c. Prepare to administer a prn dose of the anticholinergic drug benztropine (Co-gentin).
d. Hold the medication and immediately describe the patient's symptoms to the doctor.
ANS: D
These symptoms could be related to a possibly fatal disorder called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), and the nurse should hold the medication and contact the doctor immedi-ately. The other options are inappropriate in light of the seriousness of the situation.
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