A 28-year-old patient presenting with hallucinations and delusional thinking is suspected of having schizophrenia. The patient's vital signs include a high fever, increased heart rate, and muscle rigidity. What is the BEST initial course of action?
Initiate hydrotherapy for symptom relief
Discontinue any potential offending antipsychotic agent and provide supportive treatment for NMS
Adjust the dosage of the current antipsychotic medications
Start the patient on a new antipsychotic medication regimen
The presence of hallucinations and delusional thinking, along with symptoms like high fever, elevated heart rate, and muscle rigidity, suggest a potential diagnosis of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), especially if the patient has been on antipsychotic medication. Immediate discontinuation of any potential offending antipsychotic agent and symptomatic treatment is critical. While starting a new medication regimen might be necessary eventually, addressing possible NMS requires urgent medical attention to prevent further complications, such as renal failure or severe neurological damage. Although Hydrotherapy and adjustment of current antipsychotic medications are relevant considerations, they do not address the immediate life-threatening situation of NMS.
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