Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

What medical condition is indicated by fixed upward eye positioning in a patient on antipsychotic medication?

1. Retrobulbar hemorrhage

2. Torticollis

3. Oculogyric crisis

4. Myasthenia gravis

The correct answer is: Oculogyric crisis

Fixed upward eye positioning in a patient on antipsychotic medication is indicative of an oculogyric crisis. This condition is characterized by involuntary eye movement, particularly an upward gaze, and is often associated with the use of antipsychotic drugs, which can lead to various movement disorders due to dopamine receptor antagonism. Oculogyric crises can be distressing for patients and are part of a group of side effects known as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). The etiology behind these symptoms relates to the disruption of the normal functioning of dopaminergic pathways in the brain, particularly in relation to the basal ganglia, which plays a key role in the regulation of movement. Understanding this condition is crucial for psychiatric technicians, as recognizing and intervening in the event of an oculogyric crisis can help in managing the patient's discomfort and preventing further complications related to prolonged episodes of abnormal eye movements. This directly contrasts with the other options, which do not specifically connect to the acute manifestation of fixed upward eye positioning due to medication effects.