Final answer:
A nurse should see the client taking clozapine who reports a sore throat and chills first, as these symptoms can indicate agranulocytosis, a serious adverse effect of the medication requiring immediate medical intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the question is concerned with prioritizing patient care in a medical setting, specifically for a nurse during a change of shift. It encompasses identifying which patient requires the most immediate attention, based on the urgency of their symptoms or the potential side effects of the medications they are taking.
The nurse should prioritize the client taking clozapine who reports a sore throat and chills. These symptoms could be indicative of agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition where there is a dangerously low count of white blood cells called neutrophils, making the patient highly susceptible to infections. Agranulocytosis is a known serious adverse effect associated with clozapine and requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications. The nurse should assess the patient immediately, withhold the medication, and promptly notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.