Question

A client with schizophrenia has recently begun a new medication, clozapine (Clozaril). Which blood test results for a potentially fatal side effect would the nurse expect?

A.) WBC count >3000 mm3 and granulocyte >1500 mm3
B.) WBC count <3000 mm3 and granulocyte >1500 mm3
C.) WBC count >3000 mm3 and granulocyte <1500 mm3
D.) WBC count <3000 mm3 and granulocyte <1500 mm3

Answer 1

The nurse should expect potentially fatal side effect results for a client on clozapine showing a WBC count <3000 mm3 and granulocyte count <1500 mm3, indicative of agranulocytosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The potential side effect of clozapine (Clozaril) that is of great concern is agranulocytosis, which is a severe drop in white blood cells (WBCs), particularly the granulocytes which include neutrophils. If a patient on clozapine shows a WBC count of <3000 mm3 and granulocyte count of <1500 mm3, this would be indicative of a potentially fatal side effect. Therefore, the correct answer is D.) WBC count <3000 mm3 and granulocyte <1500 mm3. Monitoring blood counts in patients on clozapine is critical because agranulocytosis can increase the risk of infection and may be life-threatening.