A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed clozapine.
Which of the following topics should the nurse prepare to discuss with the client?.
A.
The importance of medication adherence after the resolution of acute psychosis when taking an antipsychotic.
B.
The importance of limiting fluid intake when taking an antipsychotic.
C.
The importance of routine red blood cell count laboratory work when taking an antipsychotic.
D.
The importance of avoiding foods that contain tyramine when taking an antipsychotic.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. The importance of routine red blood cell count laboratory work when taking an antipsychotic.
Explanation:
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is often used to treat schizophrenia, especially in cases where other antipsychotic treatments have been ineffective. One critical aspect of clozapine therapy is monitoring for agranulocytosis, a potentially severe side effect. Agranulocytosis is a condition where there is a dangerously low level of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood, which can make the patient highly susceptible to infections.
Because of this risk, regular monitoring of the client’s white blood cell count, specifically the absolute neutrophil count (ANC), is essential while they are on clozapine. Typically, clients on clozapine will undergo weekly or bi-weekly blood tests to ensure their ANC remains within a safe range. This monitoring helps to detect any potential issues early and prevents severe complications.
A. While medication adherence is crucial in managing psychotic disorders, this answer is less specific to clozapine compared to the need for routine blood work.
B. Limiting fluid intake is not specifically relevant to clozapine. Unlike some other medications, clozapine does not typically require restrictions on fluid intake.
D. Avoiding foods that contain tyramine is important for patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), not antipsychotics like clozapine. Clozapine does not have dietary restrictions related to tyramine.
In summary, when managing a client on clozapine, the nurse should emphasize the importance of regular blood tests to monitor for agranulocytosis. This ensures that any potential blood-related side effects are detected early, thus safeguarding the client’s health while they are on this medication.