What should the nurse instruct regarding the administration of clozapine (Clozaril) related to blood counts?

Clozapine (Clozaril) is an atypical antipsychotic medication known for its efficacy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, it carries a significant risk of agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition involving a dangerously low white blood cell (WBC) count. As a result, the administration of clozapine requires careful monitoring of the patient's white blood cell count, specifically the absolute neutrophil count (ANC).

Frequent WBC counts are crucial because they allow healthcare providers to identify any significant drops in white blood cells early, which can help prevent serious complications and guide further treatment decisions. Monitoring typically occurs weekly for the first six months of treatment, and then may be adjusted based on the patient's stability and response to the medication.

The other choices, while relevant to patient care in different contexts, do not specifically address the critical need for monitoring white blood cells in patients taking clozapine. Therefore, the instruction to frequently conduct white blood cell counts is the most pertinent and essential to the safe administration of this medication.