What should patients taking medications with granulocytosis as a side effect be instructed to do?

Patients taking medications that can cause granulocytosis, which is a decrease in white blood cell count, should be instructed to report any sore throat immediately because this condition puts them at an increased risk for infections. A sore throat can be one of the first signs of infection in someone with low white blood cell levels, and early detection is crucial for effective treatment and management. Prompt reporting allows healthcare providers to assess the patient's condition and take appropriate measures, such as ordering blood tests or starting antibiotics if necessary.

The other choices, while they may be relevant to other medical concerns, do not specifically address the immediate risks associated with granulocytosis. For example, weight gain, increasing fluid intake, and taking medication with food are not directly linked to monitoring for infections related to reduced white blood cell counts.