# A client taking clozapine has a temperature of 38.7 C, sore throat, and an absolute neutrophil count of 420/mcL. Which action should the nurse take?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=522097&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Interactions  
> category: PPT

## Question

A client taking clozapine has a temperature of 38.7 C, sore throat, and an absolute neutrophil count of 420/mcL. Which action should the nurse take?

## Option

1. Give the scheduled clozapine and repeat the ANC at the annual examination.
2. Encourage visitors to help improve mood before infection precautions are considered.
3. Administer an extra clozapine dose because fever can worsen psychosis.
4. Interrupt clozapine and obtain urgent infection and severe-neutropenia management orders. **✔ Correct answer**

**Correct answer: 4**

## Explanation

Fever with an ANC below 500/mcL represents severe neutropenia and high risk for serious infection, requiring interruption and urgent management.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Protect against fatal infection during severe clozapine neutropenia.

Why this is correct
The label directs interruption for fever and immediate ANC evaluation; severe neutropenia requires specialized monitoring and management.

Easy analogy or mental picture
Treat medication safety like airway triage: identify the threat, interrupt exposure, support physiology, and verify a durable response.

Memory hook
Cue, risk, action, response, recurrence check.

NCLEX decision rule
Choose the action that prevents the most immediate medication-related harm while preserving reassessment and escalation.

Why the other choices are wrong
Options that normalize deterioration, add interacting medication, or delay rescue leave the safety loop open.References
1DailyMed: ClozapineSevere neutropenia, fever interruption, ANC assessment, and infection risk

## Clinical scenario

Medication safety review
Verify the indication, current assessment, respiratory and neurologic status, interactions, authorized rescue action, and measurable follow-up.

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