Recognizing neuroleptic malignant syndrome in the emergency department: a case study.
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Early identification of this potentially life-threatening syndrome will lead to prompt treatment and improve the care of this vulnerable population.
Agar
Lynne
L
Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. lagar@lifespan.org
D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D016529:Emergency Nursing / Q000379:methods; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D004637:Emergency Services, Psychiatric; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009459:Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D035583:Rare Diseases; D012307:Risk Factors