11-24-2006, 02:05 PM
A 21-year-old man is admitted to the hospital for a psychotic break. Concerned family members have brought the patient to the hospital. They report that the patient has been hearing voices that he attributes to aliens, and believes the president is trying to communicate to him through the television set. During the patient™s interview he becomes extremely agitated and combative. He is given haloperidol and lorazepam in the emergency room. The next morning on rounds, the medical student reports that the patient appears to be shaking and has a temperature of 40.6 C (105 F). His blood pressure is 192/100 mm Hg, pulse is 106/min, and respirations are 28/min. Physical examination reveals a febrile, tremulous, noncommunicative man with muscle rigidity, tremors, and dry skin. In addition to acetaminophen and a cooling blanket, this patient will benefit from which of the following medications?
A. Atropine
B. Clonidine
C. Dantrolene
D. Flumazenil
E. Prednisone
A. Atropine
B. Clonidine
C. Dantrolene
D. Flumazenil
E. Prednisone