Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

For patients receiving antipsychotic medications, which condition requires prompt assessment?

1. Severe headaches

2. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

3. Rash or skin reactions

4. Increased appetite

The correct answer is: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in patients taking antipsychotic medications. It is characterized by a combination of symptoms including hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, autonomic dysregulation, and altered mental status. Given the severity of NMS, a prompt assessment is crucial to ensure the patient's safety and to initiate immediate medical intervention, such as discontinuing the antipsychotic medication and administering supportive care. In contrast, while severe headaches, rashes or skin reactions, and increased appetite can all be concerns for patients on antipsychotics, they do not typically carry the same immediate risk to life as NMS. Severe headaches may require evaluation for a range of causes, including medication side effects or withdrawal, but they are not as urgent as NMS. Similarly, rash or skin reactions might indicate an allergic response or other issues, yet they generally allow for more time to assess and manage. Increased appetite, while potentially significant in the context of metabolic syndrome associated with some antipsychotics, does not necessitate the same level of urgency in assessment or intervention as NMS.