A 22-Year-Old Woman Is Brought to the Emergency Department for Bizarre

question 198

Multiple Choice

A 22-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department for bizarre behavior over the past week.  Her parents state that she has been "talking nonsense" nonstop, laughing for no reason, and has not slept for several days.  During triage, the patient attempted to hit a staff member, resulting in administration of haloperidol.  While awaiting further evaluation, the parents alert the nurse that the patient is starting to "make weird faces" while sticking out her tongue.  Medical history is noncontributory, and the patient takes no medications.  Urine drug screen is positive for cannabis and opiates.  Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this patient's motor symptoms?

• A)Catatonia
• B)Conversion disorder
• C)Medication reaction
• D)Opioid withdrawal
• E)Psychotic agitation

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Definitions:

Negative Income Tax

A welfare system within which individuals earning below a certain amount receive supplemental pay from the government instead of paying taxes.

Income Distribution

Income distribution is the way in which total income is shared among the population of a country or region.

Progressive Tax Rates

A tax system where the tax rate increases as the taxable amount or income increases, imposing a higher percentage rate on higher income earners.

Welfare Programs

Governmental provisions designed to improve individuals' quality of life, often targeted at the needy.