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A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has Schizophrenia and is taking Clozapine. Which of the following values should the nurse identify as a contraindication for receiving Clozapine?

Option 1: Elevated liver enzymes
Option 2: Increased white blood cell count
Option 3: Low blood glucose level
Option 4: High serum potassium level

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Elevated liver enzymes would be a contraindication for receiving Clozapine because it can indicate potential liver damage or dysfunction, which is a known risk associated with this medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse reviewing laboratory results for a client with Schizophrenia who is taking Clozapine should identify a contraindication for receiving this medication. Among the options provided, the contraindication is Option 1: Elevated liver enzymes. Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication that works by blocking dopamine receptors, which can be effective in treating schizophrenia. However, it has a well-known risk profile that includes the potential for agranulocytosis (a severe drop in white blood cells), which necessitates regular monitoring of white blood cell counts. Additionally, Clozapine can cause hepatotoxicity, reflected in elevated liver enzymes, which would be a contraindication to its use, as this could indicate liver damage or dysfunction. The other options are not recognized as contraindications for Clozapine.

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