Question

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 ________.

1) Dysphagia
2) Fluctuating BP
3) Muscle stiffness
4) Respiratory depression

Answer 1

Muscle stiffness is an early sign of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which can be caused by the use of antipsychotic drugs.

Step-by-step explanation:

An early sign of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potential complication of antipsychotic drug treatment, is muscle stiffness. NMS is a serious condition characterized by hyperthermia, altered mental status, autonomic dysfunction, and generalized muscle rigidity. This muscle stiffness is often one of the initial symptoms, along with fever and changes in mental state, and may progress to more severe symptoms if not treated promptly.