Question

Four clients in the emergency department report adverse effects from prescribed medication. Which client does the nurse see first?

1. A client receiving clozapine and experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, and lethargy.
2. A client receiving valproic acid and experiencing tremors.
3. A client receiving lorazepam and experiencing abdominal discomfort.
4. A client receiving methylphenidate hydrochloride and who lost 5 lb (2.27 kg) in 4 weeks.

Answer 1

The nurse should see the client receiving clozapine and experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, and lethargy first, as these symptoms could indicate agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition associated with clozapine use.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should see the client receiving clozapine and experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, and lethargy first. These symptoms could be signs of agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition associated with clozapine use. Agranulocytosis is characterized by a severe decrease in white blood cells, which can make a person vulnerable to infections.

Flu-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, and lethargy are indications of a compromised immune system, which should be addressed immediately to prevent further complications. The other clients' symptoms are less urgent and can be addressed after attending to the client experiencing the adverse effects of clozapine.