NCLEX RN Practice Question # 697
NCLEX Examination.
Practice Question # 697.
NCLEX Quiz.
About Clozapine
INDICATIONS
Schizophrenia
ACTION
Unknown. Binds selectively to dopaminergic receptors in the CNS and may interfere with adrenergic, cholinergic, histaminergic, and serotonergic receptors.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
- CNS: drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, vertigo, headache, seizures
- CV: tachycardia, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, pulmonary embolism, cardiac arrest, ECG changes, orthostatic hypotension
- GI: constipation, excessive salivation
- Hematologic: leukopenia, agranulocytosis, granulocytopenia
- Metabolic: hyperglycemia
- Respiratory: respiratory arrest
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
- Monitor WBC and ANCA values.
- Monitor patient for signs and symptoms of cardiomyopathy.
- Don’t stop suddenly; withdraw drug gradually over 1 or 2 weeks.
- Don’t confuse clozapine with clonidine, clofazimine, or Klonopin.