Which medication in neuroleptic malignant syndrome acts as a D2 receptor agonist?

Enhance your preparation for the PMHNP Certification Exam with Georgette's resources. Delve into multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations to ensure you're ready for success. Boost your study efficiency and exam confidence today!

Multiple Choice

Which medication in neuroleptic malignant syndrome acts as a D2 receptor agonist?

Explanation:
In neuroleptic malignant syndrome, reversing the dopamine blockade in the brain is a key principle of treatment. Bromocriptine acts as a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, which helps restore dopaminergic activity that has been inhibited by antipsychotic drugs. By stimulating D2 receptors, it can reduce muscle rigidity, lower fever, and stabilize autonomic dysfunction more effectively as part of supportive care. Dantrolene, while valuable for reducing muscle rigidity and hyperthermia, works by directly relaxing skeletal muscle and doesn’t address the underlying dopaminergic blockade. Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine with antiserotonergic properties used for serotonin syndrome rather than NMS. Lithium isn’t used to treat NMS and doesn’t counteract dopamine receptor blockade.

In neuroleptic malignant syndrome, reversing the dopamine blockade in the brain is a key principle of treatment. Bromocriptine acts as a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, which helps restore dopaminergic activity that has been inhibited by antipsychotic drugs. By stimulating D2 receptors, it can reduce muscle rigidity, lower fever, and stabilize autonomic dysfunction more effectively as part of supportive care.

Dantrolene, while valuable for reducing muscle rigidity and hyperthermia, works by directly relaxing skeletal muscle and doesn’t address the underlying dopaminergic blockade. Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine with antiserotonergic properties used for serotonin syndrome rather than NMS. Lithium isn’t used to treat NMS and doesn’t counteract dopamine receptor blockade.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy