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Recognizing Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in the Emergency Department: A Case Study
Author(s) -
Agar Lynne
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
perspectives in psychiatric care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.538
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1744-6163
pISSN - 0031-5990
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6163.2010.00250.x
Subject(s) - neuroleptic malignant syndrome , emergency department , medicine , antipsychotic , complication , population , psychiatry , intensive care medicine , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , pediatrics , medical emergency , surgery , environmental health
PURPOSE. A case study is presented to discuss the importance of accurate assessment of a patient in the emergency department (ED) who develops neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). CONCLUSIONS. There has been a significant increase in the number of patients with psychiatric emergencies seeking treatment in the ED. The most frequently used medication for treating these patients is a high‐potency typical antipsychotic (neuroleptic). Although NMS is a rare condition, it is a potentially fatal complication of neuroleptic medications. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Early identification of this potentially life‐threatening syndrome will lead to prompt treatment and improve the care of this vulnerable population.