A client with dementia who was taking olanzapine was recently prescribed chlorpromazine for hiccups. The client is currently experiencing high fever, unstable blood pressure, increased confusion, and rigidity. What does the nurse suspect?
Accelerated dementia
Infection
Aspiration
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
The Correct Answer is D
The client's symptoms of high fever, unstable blood pressure, increased confusion, and rigidity are consistent with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) ⁴. NMS is a rare but life-threatening reaction that can occur in response to neuroleptic or antipsychotic medication ⁴. In this case, the client was taking olanzapine and was recently prescribed chlorpromazine, both of which are antipsychotic medications that can cause NMS ⁴.
Option A is incorrect because accelerated dementia would not cause the sudden onset of these symptoms.
Option B is incorrect because an infection would not explain the sudden onset of these symptoms after starting a new medication.
Option C is incorrect because aspiration would not cause rigidity or unstable blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
An agonist is a molecule that can bind to and activate a receptor to induce a biological response ³. Agonists can be endogenous molecules, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, or medications that mimic the action of endogenous agonists ³.
Option A is incorrect because an agonist does not prevent receptor activation by other medications.
Option C is incorrect because an agonist does not increase the affinity of a receptor for a different medication.
Option D is incorrect because an agonist does not both block and activate a receptor.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The client's symptoms of high fever, unstable blood pressure, increased confusion, and rigidity are consistent with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) ⁴. NMS is a rare but life-threatening reaction that can occur in response to neuroleptic or antipsychotic medication ⁴. In this case, the client was taking olanzapine and was recently prescribed chlorpromazine, both of which are antipsychotic medications that can cause NMS ⁴.
Option A is incorrect because accelerated dementia would not cause the sudden onset of these symptoms.
Option B is incorrect because an infection would not explain the sudden onset of these symptoms after starting a new medication.
Option C is incorrect because aspiration would not cause rigidity or unstable blood pressure.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today