A client prescribed an antipsychotic medication develops a high fever, muscle rigidity, and hypertension. The nurse immediately notifies the HCP with concerns that the client is experiencing which life threatening condition?
High fever, muscular rigidity, and altered consciousness are symptoms of neuroleptic maligany syndrome, a potentially fatal complication of antipsychotic medications and major tranquilizers.
EPS side effects involve movement disorders, including rigidity, but do not include a fever and are not considered to be life threatening.
Hypertensive crisis refers to a systolic blood pressure over 180 or diastolic blood pressure over 110.
