Key points to consider when educating patients on medication
Key points to consider when educating patients on medication ( 7 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is taking clozapine. The nurse notices that the client has a fever, sore throat, and malaise. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Incorrect. The nurse should not administer acetaminophen to the client as this drug can mask the signs of infection and delay diagnosis and treatment of agranulocytosis.
Correct. The nurse should obtain a blood sample from the client for a complete blood count as these symptoms can indicate agranulocytosis, a potentially fatal adverse effect of clozapine that causes a severe decrease in white blood cells and increases the risk of infection.
Incorrect. The nurse should encourage the client to drink plenty of fluids and rest, but this action alone would not address the potential serious adverse effect of agranulocytosis associated with clozapine. Obtaining a blood sample for a complete blood count is necessary to assess the client's white blood cell count and determine if agranulocytosis is present.
Incorrect. Discontinuing clozapine and notifying the provider is important, but it should be done after obtaining a blood sample for a complete blood count to confirm the presence of agranulocytosis. This allows for appropriate medical management and alternative treatment options to be initiated.
B) Correct. The nurse should obtain a blood sample from the client for a complete blood count as these symptoms can indicate agranulocytosis, a potentially fatal adverse effect of clozapine that causes a severe decrease in white blood cells and increases the risk of infection.
A) Incorrect. The nurse should not administer acetaminophen to the client as this drug can mask the signs of infection and delay diagnosis and treatment of agranulocytosis.
C) Incorrect. The nurse should encourage the client to drink plenty of fluids and rest, but this action alone would not address the potential serious adverse effect of agranulocytosis associated with clozapine. Obtaining a blood sample for a complete blood count is necessary to assess the client's white blood cell count and determine if agranulocytosis is present.
D) Incorrect. Discontinuing clozapine and notifying the provider is important, but it should be done after obtaining a blood sample for a complete blood count to confirm the presence of agranulocytosis. This allows for appropriate medical management and alternative treatment options to be initiated.