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. Reverse isolation is not indicated in this situation. The client's symptoms are likely due to a side effect of the medication, not an infectious process.
B) Incorrect. While it may be necessary to withhold the next dose of medication, the client's symptoms require more immediate attention.
C) Incorrect. The client's symptoms are indicative of a serious adverse reaction, and dietary changes would not address the issue.
D) Correct. The client's symptoms, including severe muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing, drooling, diaphoresis, and elevated vital signs, are indicative of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potentially life-threatening side effect of antipsychotic medications like risperidone.
The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately for further guidance and intervention.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
A) Incorrect. While it's important to avoid dehydration, this option is not specific to lithium use.
B) Correct. Lithium can cause dehydration, so it's crucial for the client to drink adequate fluids daily.
C) Correct. A low sodium diet is important while taking lithium, as high sodium levels can affect lithium absorption and potentially lead to toxicity.
D) Correct. Routine blood work is necessary to monitor lithium levels and ensure the client's levels remain within the therapeutic range.
E) Incorrect. Dependency is not a common concern with lithium.
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