Question

A nurse is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following findings should the nurse report?

a) A client who is taking clozapine and has a WBC count of 7,500/mm^3
b) A client who is taking lamotrigine and has developed a rash
c) A client who is taking valproate and has a platelet count of 150,000/mm^3
d) A client who is taking lithium and has a lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L

Answer 1

The nurse should report the finding of a client who is on lamotrigine and has developed a rash, as it may indicate a serious and potentially life-threatening skin reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should report the finding of a client who is taking lamotrigine and has developed a rash. Lamotrigine can cause a serious skin reaction that could be life-threatening, particularly if it is the beginning of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. Therefore, a rash in a client taking lamotrigine necessitates immediate clinical attention and assessment.

As for the other clients' findings: A client with a WBC count of 7,500/mm3 while taking clozapine is within normal range (though they should be monitored for signs of agranulocytosis); a platelet count of 150,000/mm3 for a client on valproate is also within normal limits; and a lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L is at the upper end of the therapeutic range for a client taking lithium, requiring monitoring but not necessarily immediate reporting unless symptoms of toxicity are present.