Which laboratory findings are indicative of neuroleptic malignant syndrome?

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Multiple Choice

Which laboratory findings are indicative of neuroleptic malignant syndrome?

Explanation:
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome shows evidence of severe muscle breakdown from intense rigidity, so the labs typically reveal a markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) due to rhabdomyolysis, along with leukocytosis from the systemic stress response. This combination—high CPK with an elevated white count—best reflects the muscle injury and inflammatory reaction seen in NMS. Elevated liver enzymes can occur, but they don’t capture the defining muscle breakdown, and normal or reduced CPK or WBC values would be inconsistent with this syndrome.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome shows evidence of severe muscle breakdown from intense rigidity, so the labs typically reveal a markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) due to rhabdomyolysis, along with leukocytosis from the systemic stress response. This combination—high CPK with an elevated white count—best reflects the muscle injury and inflammatory reaction seen in NMS. Elevated liver enzymes can occur, but they don’t capture the defining muscle breakdown, and normal or reduced CPK or WBC values would be inconsistent with this syndrome.

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