A client is taking clozapine and complains of a sore throat. This symptom may indicate which adverse reaction?

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic known for its effectiveness in treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but it carries a risk of serious adverse effects, particularly agranulocytosis, which is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a significant drop in white blood cell (WBC) count. A sore throat is often one of the initial signs of agranulocytosis, as it can signify an infection due to the compromised immune system from low WBC counts.

Vigilant monitoring of the client's blood cell counts is essential when they are on clozapine, especially during the first few months of treatment, as this is when the risk of agranulocytosis is highest. If a client reports a sore throat, it's crucial for healthcare providers to evaluate their WBC count promptly to determine if agranulocytosis is present and to take necessary precautions such as discontinuing the medication if required.

The other listed reactions, while relevant to psychotropic medications, do not correlate with the symptom of a sore throat. Extrapyramidal reactions typically manifest as motor disturbances, while Reye's syndrome is a severe condition mostly associated with aspirin use in children, and tardive dyskinesia refers to involuntary movements that develop