What vital sign should a nurse report for a client with schizophrenia on clozapine?

A sore throat is a vital sign that should be reported for a client with schizophrenia on clozapine due to the risk of agranulocytosis, a serious side effect associated with this medication. Clozapine can decrease white blood cell counts, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections. A sore throat can be an early indicator of an infection, which might be more severe in patients with low white blood cell counts.

Monitoring for symptoms such as a sore throat is critical because it can prompt further evaluation of the client's blood cell levels and overall health status. The healthcare provider may need to conduct a complete blood count (CBC) to assess for neutropenia. In clients on clozapine, regular monitoring of blood counts is essential, and symptoms indicating possible infection should be taken seriously.

While weight gain, elevated heart rate, and blood pressure readings may be important clinical considerations, they do not pose the immediate life-threatening risk associated with agranulocytosis that a sore throat does in this particular medication context.