A client who has been taking clozapine for 6 weeks visits the clinic reporting fever, sore throat, and mouth sores. The nurse notifies the client's physician because the nurse suspects what possible side effect of the medication?

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High fever, sore throat, and mouth sores are indicative of infection secondary to agranulocytosis, which has been associated with clozapine. The medication can suppress the bone marrow and cause a significant decrease in white blood cells. The client's signs and symptoms do not suggest anemia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or encephalitis.

A Client Who Has Been Taking Clozapine for 6 Weeks