NCLEX-PN Practice Q 78

---

A client with schizophrenia is started on Zyprexa (olanzapine). Three weeks later, the client develops severe muscle rigidity and elevated temperature. The nurse should anticipate the physician to:

  

     A. Withhold all morning medications

     B. Order CBC and CPK

     C. Prescribe dantrolene C. Prescribe dantrolene

     D. Transfer the client to a medical unit

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Prescribe dantrolene

---

Option C: The client’s symptoms suggest an adverse reaction to the medication known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Treatment of this reaction consists of prescribing skeletal muscle relaxants such as dantrolene which blocks the intracellular calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

---

Option A: Treatment of neuroleptic malignant syndrome consists of withdrawal of neuroleptic drugs but this medication is usually taken at bedtime.

Option B: The physician may order these tests but it is not the priority action.

Option D: Transferring the client to a medical unit will not solve the patient’s problem.

---