Improving Psychiatric Nurses' Detection of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Patients with psychiatric disorders receive nursing care in psychiatric units, medical units and long-term care facilities. Like other patients, their well-being is reliant upon knowledgeable caregivers. The pharmacological interventions that patients are dependent on can have catastrophic effects; of particular concern is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). This article affords a succinct review of the literature related to NMS and provides suggestions for psychiatric nurse educators to facilitate early recognition, thereby reducing mortality and morbidity. Emphasis is placed on educational tools to help reduce under-detection. A case study illustrates how under-detection can lead to a near fatal outcome.