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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Weight gain is not typically associated with acute mania in bipolar disorder.
Choice B rationale:
Disorganized speech can be a symptom of acute mania, which is characterized by increased energy, feelings of euphoria, racing thoughts, risky behaviors, and an inflated self-image.
Choice C rationale:
While hallucinations can occur in severe bipolar episodes, the client reporting that voices are telling him to write a novel is not specifically indicative of acute mania.
Choice D rationale:
Dressing in all black is not a specific symptom of acute mania.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is above the therapeutic level for initial treatment (0.8 to 1.4 mEq/L)3.
Choice B rationale:
A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is above, not below, the therapeutic treatment level.
Choice C rationale:
A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is at the toxic level. A blood lithium level greater than 1.5 mEq/L indicates toxicity.
Choice D rationale:
A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is not within the maintenance treatment level (0.4 to 1.3 mEq/L)3.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.