Question

How often should white blood cell (WBC) counts be drawn when a patient is taking 'zap' medications for schizophrenia?

A) Monthly for the first six months, then every three months thereafter.
B) Annually to monitor long-term effects.
C) Only when the patient reports symptoms of infection.
D) Weekly during the initial three months, then bi-weekly for the next six months.

Answer 1

The frequency of white blood cell counts for patients on 'zap' medications used in schizophrenia is often determined by the specific medication and its potential side effects, with clozapine requiring frequent monitoring.

Step-by-step explanation:

The frequency of white blood cell (WBC) counts when a patient is taking medications for schizophrenia, particularly those with potential hematological side effects such as clozapine (referred to here as 'zap' medications), is critical for monitoring the possibility of adverse effects like agranulocytosis. This is not clearly defined in the student's provided options, as monitoring may be guided by the specific medication and its known side effects. However, for medications like clozapine, it's standard practice to have more frequent monitoring during the initial stages of treatment and periodically thereafter. Typically, WBC counts and absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) are performed weekly during the first 6 months of treatment, every other week for the next 6 months, and then monthly after one year of treatment if the WBC and ANC remain stable. It's essential to refer to the medication's prescribing information and local protocols for the specific monitoring recommendations.