SAQ Stack

Short Answer Questions for ED Fellowship Study

Case: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

A 22-year-old male is brought in by ambulance after being found confused at the park. You note in his medical records that he has a background of bipolar disorder on lithium and olanzapine. Vital signs:

  • HR 136 bpm
  • BP 161/100
  • RR 24
94 % RA T 39.1 On examination, you find that the patient has lead-pipe rigidity. You are concerned that he has neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

1. List (5) differential diagnoses you would consider in this patient. 5 marks

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2. What are (4) risk factors for developing neuroleptic malignant syndrome? 4 marks

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3. Other than muscle rigidity, list (3) other criteria required to make a diagnosis of NMS? 3 marks

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4. List (2) specific therapies that can be used to treat NMS 2 marks

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5. Complete the table, listing (4) clinical features which would distinguish NMS from serotonin syndrome 4 marks

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This case forms part of a collaborative marking project designed to support fellowship preparation. In the week leading up to each tutorial, you can contribute answers to any active case. If you contribute, your answers may be reviewed, marked, and used to refine the model answers during the weekly fellowship teaching sessions.

All responses are displayed anonymously or using anonymised avatars. You remain in full control of your answers and may withdraw them at any time.

Your personal results and updated model answers become available the day after the tutorial.

After the tutorial you can still do the case and self-mark your answers, but your answers will not be included in the group review.