advancedmalpracticeliabilityrisk managementclozapineREMSagranulocytosisstandard of caredocumentation
A PMHNP prescribes clozapine for a patient with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Three months later, the patient develops severe agranulocytosis requiring hospitalization. The patient's family files a malpractice lawsuit. During discovery, it is revealed that the PMHNP documented the initial CBC but has no documentation of the required weekly ANC monitoring for the first six months as specified in the prescribing information. The PMHNP's attorney explains the legal standard that will be applied.