The laboratory report for a patient taking clozapine (Clozaril) shows a white blood cell count of 3000 mm³ and a granulocyte count of 1500 mm³. The nurse should:

A) report the laboratory results to the health care provider.
B) give the next dose of the medication as prescribed.
C) administer aspirin and force fluids.
D) repeat the laboratory tests.

These laboratory values indicate the possibility of agranulocytosis, a serious side effect of clozapine therapy. These results must be immediately reported to the health care provider. The drug should be withheld because the health care provider will discontinue it. The health care provider may repeat the laboratory test, but, in the meantime, the drug should be withheld. Giving aspirin and forcing fluids are measures that are less important than stopping the administration of the drug.