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A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client with schizophrenia taking clozapine. Which value indicates a contraindication for receiving clozapine?

A) WBC count 2,500/mm3
B) Hgb 11.5 mg/dL
C) Platelets 150,000/mm3
D) RBC count 3.5 million/mm3

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Clozapine therapy requires monitoring of white blood cell counts due to the risk of agranulocytosis. A WBC count below 3,500/mm3 or an ANC below 2,000/mm3 would indicate a contraindication for receiving clozapine, not an RBC count of 3.5 million/mm3.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse reviewing laboratory results for a client with schizophrenia taking clozapine must monitor the client's blood cell counts carefully, as clozapine can have hematological side effects. One critical value to watch is the white blood cell count (WBC), especially the absolute neutrophil count (ANC), since clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening decrease in white blood cells. This is not the case with the provided red blood cell (RBC) count of 3.5 million/mm3, which while slightly lower than the normal range is not typically a contraindication for receiving clozapine. Instead, a contraindication would be indicated by a WBC count below 3,500/mm3 or an ANC below 2,000/mm3.

It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of these parameters and conduct regular blood tests to ensure the safety of the patient during clozapine therapy. The absolute neutrophil count is a critical factor and must be monitored regularly.

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