A nurse is reviewing abnormal laboratory values for four clients who have schizophrenia and take clozapine.
For which of the following clients should the nurse withhold the medication and notify the provider immediately to have clozapine therapy discontinued?
A client who has a BUN of 22 mg/dL.
A client who has a serum potassium of 3.3 mEq/L.
A client who has a hematocrit of 55%.
A client who has a WBC of 2,900 cells/mm².
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
A BUN of 22 mg/dL is slightly elevated but not a contraindication for clozapine.
Choice B rationale:
A serum potassium of 3.3 mEq/L is slightly low but not a contraindication for clozapine.
Choice C rationale:
A hematocrit of 55% is high but not a contraindication for clozapine.
Choice D rationale:
A WBC of 2,900 cells/mm² is low and can indicate agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Clozapine should be discontinued.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Asking “What are the voices telling you to do?” shows empathy and concern without validating the hallucination.
Choice B rationale:
Asking “Why do you think you are hearing the voices?” might imply that the nurse is validating the hallucination.
Choice C rationale:
Telling the client “You need to understand that there are no voices.”. might make the client feel misunderstood.
Choice D rationale:
Telling the client “You need to tell the voices to leave you alone.”. is not recommended as it might validate the hallucination.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Respiratory depression and a comatose state are not typically associated with agranulocytosis.
Choice B rationale:
Agranulocytosis, a potential side effect of clozapine, can cause symptoms like a sore throat and muscle aches due to the body’s decreased ability to fight off infections.
Choice C rationale:
Increased anxiety and suicidal ideations are not typically symptoms of agranulocytosis.
Choice D rationale:
Severe restlessness is not a common symptom of agranulocytosis.
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