Question

scenario: a patient on clozapine has a sudden drop in white blood cell count. question: what is the recommended course of action? continue clozapine and monitor closely. discontinue clozapine immediately. reduce the dose of clozapine. add a granulocyte colony - stimulating factor.

Explanation:

Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis (a severe drop in white blood cells). The standard recommendation is to discontinue clozapine immediately when there's a sudden drop in white blood cell count to prevent life - threatening infections. Continuing, reducing the dose, or just adding a granulocyte colony - stimulating factor without discontinuing first is not the correct initial action.

Answer:

B. Discontinue clozapine immediately.