A patient who received an antipsychotic develops a temperature of 39.5°C, severe muscle rigidity, confusion, and unstable blood pressure. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct answer: C. Stop the suspected medication and seek urgent medical help
- A. Administer the next antipsychotic dose with food
- B. Encourage exercise to relieve the muscle stiffness
- C. Stop the suspected medication and seek urgent medical help
- D. Place the patient in seclusion without further assessment
Explanation
The combination of high fever, rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability suggests neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a medical emergency. The suspected antipsychotic should be withheld and urgent medical management arranged, with supportive monitoring and cooling as prescribed.
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About Psychiatric Emergencies
Psychiatric emergencies include suicidal behavior, homicide risk, severe agitation, panic, acute psychosis, delirium, overdose, and withdrawal states. Students examine rapid risk assessment, crisis intervention, de-escalation, environmental safety, emergency medication, observation levels, and the immediate priorities that differ from routine psychiatric nursing care.
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