Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome — NCLEX Cheat Sheet
Antipsychotic emergency: lead-pipe rigidity
👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team
🕐 Updated 2026-07-11
🏷️ Pharmacological Therapies
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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- Antipsychotics (haloperidol typical)
- Onset SLOW, days to weeks
- FEVER high, lead-pipe rigidity
- Altered LOC, autonomic instability
- ↑↑CK, myoglobinuria, ↑WBC
- STOP antipsychotic immediately
- Dantrolene + bromocriptine
- Cooling, hydration, monitor renal
- Hyperthermia, renal failure
- Hyperkalemia, dysrhythmia
✨Quick Tip
Onset is gradual, usually within days to 2 weeks of starting or increasing an antipsychotic.
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