A client with schizophrenia recently began a new medication, clozapine (Clozaril). Which blood cell counts reveal a potentially fatal side effect of this medication?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1.This is incorrect. This reflects a normal WBC count and does not indicate agranulocytosis. 2.This is incorrect. Although the WBC count is low, the granulocytes are not, so this does not indicate a state of agranulocytosis. 3.This is incorrect. Although the granulocytes are low, the WBC count is not, so this does not indicate a state of agranulocytosis. 4.This is correct. A WBC count of less than 3000/mm³ and granulocytes less than 1500/mm³ reflect a low WBC count and indicate that the body's ability to fight infection is significantly decreased. Agranulocytosis is a potentially fatal disorder in which the client's WBC count drops to extremely low levels, placing the client at great risk for infections.

A Client with Schizophrenia Recently Began a New Medication, Clozapine