A 35-year-old woman is brought to the hospital after she collapsedhe completed marathon running. The patient has no chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath. She has never had a similar episode. There is no family history of sudden death. The patient has a history of fibromyalgia and takes amitriptyline. The patient does not use alcohol or illicit drugs. Temperature is 37 C (98.6 F), blood pressure is 98/56 mm Hg, pulse is100/min, and respirations are 21/min. The skin is warm and red. If this patient's medication contributed to her current condition, which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible?

Question

A 35-year-old woman is brought to the hospital after she collapsedhe completed marathon running.  The patient has no chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath. She has never had a similar episode.  There is no family history of sudden death. The patient has a history of fibromyalgia and takes amitriptyline. The patient does not use alcohol or illicit drugs.  Temperature is 37 C (98.6 F), blood pressure is 98/56 mm Hg, pulse is100/min, and respirations are 21/min.  The skin is warm and red. If this patient's medication contributed to her current condition, which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Nonexertional heat stroke (NHS) is a life-threatening disorder characterized by hyperthermia (typically >40 C [104 F]) associated with CNS dysfunction (eg, encephalopathy, syncope).  Anticholinergic medications promote heat stroke by impairing diaphoresis.  Other medications associated with NHS include sympathomimetics, dopamine antagonists, diuretics, and beta blockers.

A 35-Year-Old Woman Is Brought to the Hospital After She