A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is taking clozapine. The nurse notices that the client has a fever, sore throat, and malaise. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer acetaminophen to the client.
Obtain a blood sample from the client for a complete blood count.
Encourage the client to drink plenty of fluids and rest.
Discontinue clozapine and notify the provider.
The Correct Answer is B
B) Correct. The nurse should obtain a blood sample from the client for a complete blood count as these symptoms can indicate agranulocytosis, a potentially fatal adverse effect of clozapine that causes a severe decrease in white blood cells and increases the risk of infection.
A) Incorrect. The nurse should not administer acetaminophen to the client as this drug can mask the signs of infection and delay diagnosis and treatment of agranulocytosis.
C) Incorrect. The nurse should encourage the client to drink plenty of fluids and rest, but this action alone would not address the potential serious adverse effect of agranulocytosis associated with clozapine. Obtaining a blood sample for a complete blood count is necessary to assess the client's white blood cell count and determine if agranulocytosis is present.
D) Incorrect. Discontinuing clozapine and notifying the provider is important, but it should be done after obtaining a blood sample for a complete blood count to confirm the presence of agranulocytosis. This allows for appropriate medical management and alternative treatment options to be initiated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B) Correct. The nurse should instruct the client to hold their metformin for 48 hours before and after surgery as this drug can increase the risk of lactic acidosis in clients who are undergoing procedures that involve contrast media or who have impaired renal function due to dehydration or hypotension.
A) Incorrect. The nurse should not instruct the client to take their morning dose of metformin with a sip of water on the day of surgery as this can cause hypoglycemia during anesthesia or interfere with contrast media if used during surgery.
C) Incorrect. The nurse should not instruct the client to resume their metformin as soon as they can tolerate oral intake after surgery as this can cause lactic acidosis if the client's renal function is not fully restored or if they receive contrast media during surgery or postoperatively.
D) Incorrect. The nurse should not instruct the client to switch to insulin injections until they recover from surgery as this can cause hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia depending on the type and dose of insulin used and the client's nutritional status and blood glucose levels.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C) Incorrect. The client should avoid taking their medication with grapefruit juice as it can interfere with the metabolism of some antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of adverse effects.
A) Correct. The client should not stop taking their medication even if they feel better as this can cause a rebound increase in blood pressure and worsen their condition.
B) Correct. The client should check their blood pressure regularly and record the readings to monitor their response to treatment and identify any changes that may require adjustment of their medication dose.
D) Correct. The client should inform their doctor if they experience any side effects from their medication such as dizziness, headache, fatigue, or cough, as these may indicate a need for a different drug or a lower dose.
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