Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

Acute buccolingual crisis, often related to severe extrapyramidal symptoms, typically results in facial spasms that can hinder the ability to speak. This condition often arises as a reaction to certain medications, particularly antipsychotics, and presents with dystonic movements, particularly affecting the facial and lingual muscles. The spasm can cause significant distress and impair communication, making it challenging for individuals to articulate their words effectively and leading to noticeable facial contortions.

Other manifestations of muscle rigidity or twisting are typically associated with different conditions or syndromes. The hyperextension of the neck and trunk is more characteristic of a condition called opisthotonus, while generalized muscular rigidity throughout the body (often seen in conditions like tetanus) does not specifically pertain to the buccolingual crisis. Similarly, neck twisting to one side is indicative of torticollis but does not accurately describe the symptoms of an acute buccolingual episode. Thus, the clinical presentation of facial spasms with difficulty in speaking aligns appropriately with the characteristics of acute buccolingual crisis.