A client with schizophrenia is prescribed clozapine because other prescribed medications have been ineffective. After educating the client and family about the drug

Question

the nurse determines that the education was successful when they state which of the following?

A) "He needs to have an electrocardiogram periodically when taking this drug."
B) "We'll need to make sure that he has his blood count checked at least weekly."
C) "He might develop toxic levels of the drug if he smokes cigarettes."
D) "We need to watch to make sure that he doesn't lose too much weight."

Answer 1

Ans: B
Clozapine is associated with agranulocytosis, so clients taking clozapine should have regular blood tests. White blood cell and granulocyte counts should be measured before treatment is initiated, and at least weekly or twice weekly after treatment begins. Although cardiac dysrhythmias can occur, they are more likely to occur with ziprasidone. Cigarette smoking can reduce the concentration of clozapine, thus necessitating a higher dose of this medication. Clozapine is associated with weight gain, not weight loss.