Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What immediate action should a patient take if they notice a dramatic change in temperature while on antipsychotic medication?

1. Adjust the medication dose on their own

2. Contact their health care provider immediately

3. Ignore the change and continue medication

4. Seek emergency care only if feeling unwell

The correct answer is: Contact their health care provider immediately

When a patient on antipsychotic medication notices a dramatic change in temperature, the most appropriate immediate action is to contact their health care provider immediately. Antipsychotic medications can impact the body's ability to regulate temperature, and a sudden change may indicate a serious condition such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which is a potentially life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs. Prompt communication with a healthcare provider ensures that the patient receives the necessary evaluation and intervention. Adjusting the medication dose on their own could lead to further complications or exacerbate their condition, as patients may not have the knowledge or understanding required to make safe modifications to their treatment plan. Ignoring the change could result in worsening symptoms or an acute medical situation that requires immediate attention. Seeking emergency care only if feeling unwell delays potentially urgent treatment when a temperature change is observed, regardless of accompanying symptoms. Therefore, the recommendation to contact a healthcare provider immediately prioritizes patient safety and proper medical oversight.