Neuroleptic malignant syndrome - Essay Example

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Amarachi B Akpuaka Indiana The rising cases of mental health problems necessitate the need for properand close monitoring of mental patients. As stipulated by Varcarolis and Halter (2010), the majority of psychologists have suggested the abandonment of medication based system and instead they have suggested the use of the psychological approach (p. 331). Nurses and other medical professionals are expected to play a significant role in the side effects management of such mental problems.

With the unpredictable nature of the side effects, precautions such as early recognition and invention measures should be put in place. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is no exception since it is a lethal and rare mental disorder (Varcarolis and Halter, 2010, p. 331).According to Keogh and Doyle (2008), Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is the idiosyncratic reaction to neuroleptic medication. It has serious and adverse effects on individuals that may result in death. This disorder occurs when patients: are under neuroleptic medication regardless of the duration of use, use antipsychotic medication and patients will exhibit signs and when patients use antidepressants.

As observed, majority of patients shows signs and symptoms of NMS after two weeks of commencing treatment antipsychotic treatment.These symptoms, according to Varcarolis and Halter (2010) are: altered mental status in patients, muscular rigidity in a patients, hyperthermia, fever, urinary incontinence, motor abnormalities such as lack of movement coupled with tremor, and automatic function that is high or low pressure (p. 331). Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome can present a broad range of clinical manifestations that can pose a challenge to early detection.

The diversity and complexity of its clinical features may not always be welcomed as it leads to confusion among nurses. In order for the nurse to avoid this, they should be aware of NMS classical features such as muscular rigidity, automatic instability and hyperthermia (Koegh & Doyle, 2008). Instant and proper treatment of this disease is advised. It demands prompt, and recognition of the disorder at an early stage and adoption, and implementation of pharmacological interventions such as the use of dopamine agonist is required.

In addition, antipyretics such as paracetamol can be administered to reduce fever. Prompt discontinuation of antipsychotic is also helpful as articulated by Koegh & Doyle (2008).In addition, symptomatic management of this disorder is also significant. Nurses are required to monitor patients with this disease carefully. They should carefully monitor their mental and physical condition. Doctors should be notified of any changes in the patients both mental and physical changes observed by the nurses during routine check-ups.

Due to severe effects experienced as a result of this disorder such as confusion and tremor, patients require significant help in their daily activities. Nurses should provide this as well as providing intravenous fluid to correct the dehydration and electrolyte problems experienced by the patients. Additionally, nurses should ensure the patients take their daily meals.Lastly, NMS only lasts for a week after drug discontinuation. The use of depot antipsychotics prolongs the experiences observed in the syndrome.

Due to this, clients with the history of NMS should never be subjected to antipsychotics therapy. Such clients should use medications such as lithium, carbamazepine or benzodiazepines (Varcarolis and Halter, 2010). However, in the event where this is impossible, patients can be subjected to antipsychotic in different classes and with lesser D2 affinity than the previously used. It would reduce the patient’s chances of experiencing NMS again (Keogh & Doyle, 2008).ReferencesKeogh, B., & Doyle, L. (2008). Psychopharmacological adverse effects.

Mental Health Practice, 11(6), 28-30.Halter, M., & Varcarolis, E. (2014). Foundations of psychiatric mental health nursing. St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier.