Question

scenario: a patient starting on clozapine asks about the risks associated with the medication.
question: what is a significant risk that requires patient education and monitoring?

• risk of diabetes.
• risk of tardive dyskinesia.
• risk of agranulocytosis.
• risk of weight gain.

Explanation:

Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication. A significant risk associated with clozapine is agranulocytosis (a severe reduction in white blood cells), which requires regular blood monitoring and patient education about infection signs. Diabetes, tardive dyskinesia (more associated with typical antipsychotics), and weight gain are risks but not as life - threatening or specific to clozapine monitoring as agranulocytosis.

Answer:

C. Risk of agranulocytosis.