Question

You are treating a client with schizophrenia who takes clozapine. What lab values will indicate the client needs to discontinue treatment?

A. WBC less than 1800 and ANC less than 1200
B. ANC less than 1,000
C. WBC less than 5,000
D. ANC less than 2000

Answer 1

The lab values that indicate a need to discontinue treatment with clozapine in a client with schizophrenia are a WBC count less than 1800 and an ANC less than 1200.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lab values that indicate a need to discontinue treatment with clozapine in a client with schizophrenia are a white blood cell (WBC) count less than 1800 and an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 1200. A low WBC count can indicate bone marrow suppression, which is a serious adverse effect of clozapine. Similarly, a low ANC indicates a decrease in the number of neutrophils, which are important for fighting infections.