A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has schizophrenia and is taking clozapine.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a contraindication to the administration of clozapine?

The correct answer isChoice C.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to drink low-protein supplements is not the best action. Protein is essential for tissue repair and healing, especially when the body is under stress, such as during radiation therapy. Therefore, it would be more beneficial to encourage high-protein foods and supplements.

Choice B rationale:

Serving the client’s largest meal in the evening is not the most effective strategy. Radiation therapy can cause nausea and vomiting, which are often worse later in the day. Therefore, it might be more beneficial to serve a larger meal earlier in the day when the client is more likely to tolerate it.

Choice C rationale:

Providing the client with cold foods rather than hot foods is the correct action. Hot foods can often exacerbate feelings of nausea, which are common side effects of radiation therapy.Cold foods are generally better tolerated.

Choice D rationale:

Telling the client to drink two glasses of water with meals is not the best advice. While hydration is important, drinking large amounts of fluid with meals can contribute to early satiety, which can further decrease the client’s food intake. It might be more beneficial to encourage the client to drink fluids between meals.

Choice A rationale:

Heart rate 58/min. Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic medication, can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a side effect. However, the heart rate of 58/min is within the normal range for adults, so it is not a contraindication for clozapine administration.

Choice B rationale:

Fasting blood glucose 100 mg/dL. A fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL is within the normal range (70-99 mg/dL) for adults. It is not a contraindication for clozapine administration.

Choice C rationale:

WBC count 2,900/mm3. Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a severe reduction in white blood cell (WBC) count, which can lead to increased susceptibility to infections. A WBC count of 2,900/mm3 is significantly below the normal range (4,000-11,000/mm3) and is a contraindication for clozapine administration due to the risk of severe immunosuppression.

Choice D rationale:

Hgb 14 g/dL. Hemoglobin (Hgb) level of 14 g/dL is within the normal range for adult males (13.8-17.2 g/dL) and females (12.1-15.1 g/dL). It is not a contraindication for clozapine administration.