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 A
Explanation
A) Correct. Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect of long-term neuroleptic (antipsychotic) treatment. It is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements, particularly of the face and tongue. This condition is more commonly seen in clients who have been on neuroleptics for extended periods.
B) Incorrect. Discontinuing neuroleptic treatment may lead to withdrawal symptoms or symptom recurrence, but it does not directly increase the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia.
C) Incorrect. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a different side effect associated with neuroleptic medications, characterized by hyperthermia, autonomic dysregulation, altered mental status, and generalized muscle rigidity.
D) Incorrect. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different class of medications and are not associated with the development of tardive dyskinesia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect. While the client's sleep disturbance and lack of selfcare may contribute to
ineffective health maintenance, the more immediate concern is addressing the risk of imbalanced nutrition.
B) Incorrect. While clients in a manic state may exhibit hyperactivity and impulsivity, there is no indication in the scenario that the client poses an immediate risk for other-directed violence.
C) Correct. The client's reported lack of sleep and refusal to eat for an extended period raises concerns about nutritional deficits and dehydration. This is the most immediate and pressing issue to address.
D) Incorrect. While the client's manic state may increase the risk of impulsive behavior, there is no specific indication in the scenario that the client is at immediate risk for suicide.
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