Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice - Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Thought Disorders Related

Review Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice - Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Thought Disorders related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a client who has been taking clozapine (Clozaril) for 2 weeks. The client tells the nurse, My throat is sore, and I feel weak. The nurse assesses the client?s vital signs and finds that the client has a fever. The nurse notifies the physician, expecting an order to obtain which laboratory test?

  • A. A white blood cell count
  • B. Liver function studies
  • C. Serum potassium level
  • D. Serum sodium level
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Clozapine (A) carries a risk of agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening drop in white blood cells, presenting with symptoms like sore throat, weakness, and fever. Monitoring white blood cell counts is critical. Liver function (B), potassium (C), and sodium (D) levels are less relevant to these symptoms.