A patient taking several serotonergic medicines develops agitation, sweating, diarrhoea, tremor and muscle rigidity. Which condition should the nurse suspect?

Correct answer: A. Serotonin syndrome

  • A. Serotonin syndrome
  • B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • C. Opioid withdrawal
  • D. Anticholinergic toxicity

Explanation

The combination of mental status change, autonomic stimulation, gastrointestinal symptoms and neuromuscular activity suggests serotonin syndrome. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is usually linked to dopamine blockade and presents with severe rigidity and hyperthermia, but not typically with this pattern of diarrhoea and tremor.

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About Analgesics and CNS Drugs

This area covers opioid and non-opioid analgesics, local anaesthetics, sedatives, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiepileptics and drugs for Parkinsonism. It examines therapeutic actions, dependence, respiratory depression, extrapyramidal effects, serotonin related toxicity and the distinction between pain relief, sedation and loss of consciousness.

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