The nurse is caring for a patient prescribed ticlopidine, an antiplatelet drug. Which of the following laboratory values would alert the nurse that the patient may be experiencing an adverse reaction to ticlopidine?

Explanation

• Ticlopidine (Ticlid) is known to cause pancytopenia, which is a reduction of white blood cells (including neutrophils), red blood cells, and platelets. 

• Ticlopidine can also cause hyponatremia (low sodium), but is not known to cause hypokalemia (low potassium).

• The glucose level is high but this is not associated with the use of ticlopidine.

• The given hemoglobin level is within normal limits.

Lab reference ranges are as follows:

Neutrophils: 2,500–8,000 cells/mm³ (55-70%)
Hemoglobin: 16–18 g/dl (male), 12–16 g/dl (female)
Glucose: 70–110 mg/dl (fasting), up to 200 (casual)
Potassium: 3.5–5.0 mEq/L

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