Author Question: During an admission assessment, a nurse notes that a client diagnosed with schizophrenia has ... (Read 49 times)

Zoey63294 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

During an admission assessment, a nurse notes that a client diagnosed with schizophrenia has allergies to penicillin, prochlorperazine (Compazine), and bee stings.

On the basis of this assessment data, which antipsychotic medication would be contraindicated?

A. Haloperidol (Haldol), because it is used only in elderly patients
B. Clozapine (Clozaril), because of a cross-sensitivity to penicillin
C. Risperidone (Risperdal), because it exacerbates symptoms of depression
D. Thioridazine (Mellaril), because of cross-sensitivity among phenothiazines

Question 2

If clozapine (Clozaril) therapy is being considered, the nurse should evaluate which laboratory test to establish a baseline for comparison in order to recognize a potentially life-threatening side effect?

A. White blood cell count
B. Liver function studies
C. Creatinine clearance
D. Blood urea nitrogen

jaymee143 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The nurse should know that thioridazine (Mellaril) would be contraindicated because of cross-sensitivity among phenothiazines. Prochlorperazine (Compazine) and thioridazine are both classified as phenothiazines.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The nurse should establish a baseline white blood cell count to evaluate a potentially life-threatening side effect if clozapine (Clozaril) is being considered as a treatment option. Clozapine can have a serious side effect of agranulocytosis, in which a potentially fatal drop in white blood cells can occur.