Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 63%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for valproic acid. The nurse should review which of the following baseline laboratory values prior to administering the medication?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Liver function tests. Valproic acid is known to potentially cause hepatotoxicity, so it is essential to assess baseline liver function tests before administering the medication. Monitoring liver function tests can help identify any pre-existing liver conditions and prevent further liver damage. Arterial blood gases (A) are not directly related to valproic acid administration. Troponin levels (C) are used to assess heart muscle damage, which is not a concern with valproic acid. Blood glucose levels (D) are not specifically relevant to valproic acid therapy.