Final answer:
The nurse should assess for additional symptoms, perform a complete blood count (CBC), and report any findings to the healthcare provider, considering the risks of agranulocytosis and myocarditis associated with clozapine. Education on symptom monitoring for the client is also crucial.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse caring for a client who presents with lethargy and myalgia after taking clozapine for 6 months should first consider the possibility of clozapine-induced side effects or complications. Key actions would include assessing the patient for other symptoms, particularly those that might indicate agranulocytosis (a potentially severe drop in white blood cells), which is a known but rare side effect of clozapine. The nurse should plan to perform a complete blood count (CBC) test to monitor white blood cell levels. Any findings should be reported to the healthcare provider promptly so that treatment can be adjusted as necessary. In addition, the patient's overall health status should be assessed, including vital signs and a physical examination, to ensure that there are no other concerning signs that could signal additional complications.
Given that clozapine can also cause myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and metabolic changes, the nurse may monitor for signs of these conditions. The patient's history, medication adherence, and any other symptoms should be meticulously documented. If any severe side effects are identified, the healthcare provider may need to consider altering the medication regimen or dosage. Nursing care also involves patient education, ensuring that the client understands the importance of reporting any new or worsening symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately.