The laboratory report for a patient taking clozapine (Clozaril) shows a white blood cell count of 3000 mm³. Select the nurse's best action.

Question

The laboratory report for a patient taking clozapine (Clozaril) shows a white blood cell count of 3000 mm³. Select the nurse's best action.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

These laboratory values indicate the possibility of agranulocytosis, a serious side effect of clozapine therapy. These results must be immediately reported to the health care provider, and the drug should be withheld. The health care provider may repeat the test, but in the meantime, the drug should be withheld. (Note: This question requires students to apply previous learning regarding normal and abnormal values of white blood cell counts.)

The Laboratory Report for a Patient Taking Clozapine (Clozaril) Shows