What finding is a contraindication for administering clozapine to a client with schizophrenia?

A white blood cell (WBC) count of 2,900/mm3 is a contraindication for administering clozapine because this medication is associated with a risk of agranulocytosis, a potentially severe condition where there is a dangerously low level of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). Clozapine requires regular monitoring of the WBC count due to this risk, and it is generally not prescribed if the WBC count falls below 3,500/mm3 or if there are other indicators of significant bone marrow suppression. Therefore, a WBC count of 2,900/mm3 suggests that the patient may already be at increased risk for such complications, making it unsafe to initiate or continue treatment with clozapine.

In contrast, having a history of seizures might raise concerns for the use of clozapine, but this does not constitute an absolute contraindication. The risk of seizures can be managed and monitored carefully during treatment. Recent hospitalization and hyperglycemia are also relevant clinical factors but do not directly contraindicate the use of clozapine in the same way that a low WBC count does.