A client with schizophrenia has begun a new prescription of clozapine. The nurse should assess the result of which laboratory study to monitor for adverse effects?
Kidney function studies
Red blood cell count
Liver function studies
White blood cell count
The Correct Answer is D
A. Kidney function studies While monitoring kidney function is important for clients on certain medications, it is not the primary laboratory test for monitoring clozapine. Clozapine is associated with agranulocytosis, which affects white blood cell count.
B. Red blood cell count Monitoring red blood cell count is not the primary concern when a client is prescribed clozapine. The main concern with clozapine is agranulocytosis, which affects white blood cells.
C. Liver function studies While liver function is important to monitor with some medications, it is not the primary laboratory test for monitoring clozapine. The primary concern with clozapine is agranulocytosis, which affects white blood cell count.
D. White blood cell count Clozapine is associated with agranulocytosis, a potentially life- threatening condition characterized by a severe decrease in white blood cells. Regular
monitoring of white blood cell count is crucial to detect and prevent this adverse effect. This test should be performed before starting clozapine and regularly throughout treatment. If the white blood cell count drops significantly, clozapine may need to be discontinued. This makes it the
most important laboratory study to monitor when a client is prescribed clozapine.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Delusions of reference involve a belief that everyday events, objects, or other people have a particular and unusual significance. This is not described in the scenario.
B) Incorrect. Tangentiality is a thought disorder where the individual goes off on tangents and never returns to the original point or idea. This is not described in the scenario.
C) Incorrect. Neologism refers to the creation of new words or phrases that have meaning only to the person using them. This is not described in the scenario.
D) Correct. Loose associations are characterized by a disruption in the logical progression of thought, where thoughts become disorganized and may seem unrelated or loosely connected.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Flat affect (lack of emotional expression) and hygiene needs are negative symptoms, not positive symptoms.
B. Social isolation and anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure) are also negative symptoms, not positive symptoms.
C. Positive symptoms involve the presence of abnormal experiences or behaviors that are not present in healthy individuals. Hallucinations (perceiving things that aren't there) and delusions (strongly held false beliefs) are examples of positive symptoms.
D. Withdrawal (lack of interest or participation in social activities) and avolition (lack of motivation) are negative symptoms, not positive symptoms.
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