Psychotic Disorders no. 4069

Psychotic Disorders no. 4069

QUESTION: Which information is most important for the nurse to include in a teaching plan for a schizophrenic client taking clozapine (Clozaril)?

✘O a.) Monthly blood tests will be necessary.
✓O b.) Report a sore throat or fever to the physician immediately.
✘O c.) Blood pressure must be monitored for hypertension.
✘O d.) Stop the medication when symptoms subside.

RATIONALE

RATIONALE: A sore throat and fever are indications of an infection caused by agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening complication of clozapine therapy. Because of the risk of agranulocytosis, white blood cell (WBC) counts are necessary weekly, not monthly. If the WBC count drops below 3,000/<font face="LWWSYM">m</font>l, the medication must be stopped. Hypotension may occur in clients taking this medication. Warn the client to stand up slowly to avoid dizziness from orthostatic hypotension. The medication should be continued, even when symptoms have been controlled. If the medication must be stopped, it should be slowly tapered over 1 to 2 weeks and only under the supervision of a physician.
NURSING PROCESS STEP: Planning
CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrity
CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies
COGNITIVE LEVEL: Application