Psychotic Disorders no. 4102

Psychotic Disorders no. 4102

QUESTION: A client with schizophrenia is taking the atypical antipsychotic medication clozapine (Clozaril). Which signs and symptoms indicate the presence of adverse effects associated with this medication? Select all that apply:

✓O a.)Sore throat
✘O b.) Pill-rolling movements
✘O c.)Polyuria
✓O d.)Fever
Polydipsia
Orthostatic hypotension

RATIONALE

RATIONALE: Sore throat, fever, and sudden onset of other flulike symptoms are signs of agranulocytosis, a condition in which there is an insufficient number of granulocytes (a type of white blood cell [WBC]), which causes the individual to be susceptible to infection. The client's WBC count should be monitored at least weekly throughout the course of treatment. Pill-rolling movements can occur in clients experiencing adverse extrapyramidal effects associated with antipsychotic medication that has been prescribed for much longer than a medication such as clozapine. Polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyuria (increased urine output) are common adverse effects of lithium therapy. Orthostatic hypotension is an adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressant therapy.
NURSING PROCESS STEP: Assessment
CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrity
CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies
COGNITIVE LEVEL: Application