A client with schizophrenia has recently begun a new medication, clozapine (Clozaril). Which potentially fatal side effect will the nurse teach the client about?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A potentially fatal side effect of clozapine is agranulocytosis, which is a severe decrease in white blood cells that can lead to infection and sepsis. Therefore, the nurse must teach the client to report any signs of infection, such as fever, sore throat, or chills, immediately. Close monitoring of the client's blood cell count is also necessary while taking clozapine.

A Client with Schizophrenia Has Recently Begun a New Medication