Clozapine (Clozaril) therapy has been initiated for a client with schizophrenia who has been unresponsive to other antipsychotics. The client states, “Why do I have to have a blood test every week?”...

Clozapine (Clozaril) therapy has been initiated for a client with schizophrenia who has been unresponsive to other antipsychotics. The client states, “Why do I have to have a blood test every week?” Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most appropriate?

1. “Weekly blood tests are necessary to determine safe dosage and to monitor the effect of the medication on the blood.”

2. “Weekly blood tests are done so that you can receive another week's supply of the medication.”

3. “Your physician will want to know how well you are progressing with the medication therapy.”

4. “Everyone taking clozapine (Clozaril) has to go through the same procedure because it is required by the drug company.”