A patient who is under treatment with antipsychotic drugs develops a potentially lethal complication of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). The nurse recognizes that an early sign of NMS is:
Explanation
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is an emergency state caused by an adverse reaction to antipsychotic medications, usually within 4-14 days after beginning the drug or after a dose increase
• Early signs of
• Incorrect: Dysphagia, unstable blood pressure, and respiratory depression are late signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome