A pharmacy receives a prescription for lithium carbonate 300 mg three times daily. Which parameter is most critical for a technician to flag for pharmacist counseling regarding patient monitoring?

A pharmacy receives a prescription for

Multiple choice — select the best answer

ASerum lithium levels, renal function, and thyroid function tests due to a narrow therapeutic index
BWeekly complete blood count because lithium commonly causes agranulocytosis
CDaily blood glucose monitoring because lithium causes significant hyperglycemia
DFasting lipid panel every 6 months due to lithium-induced dyslipidemia

✓ Correct answer: A. Serum lithium levels, renal function, and thyroid function tests due to a narrow therapeutic index Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index (target serum level 0.6–1.2 mEq/L for maintenance), and toxicity correlates closely with renal clearance and sodium balance; routine serum level, BMP, and thyroid monitoring are mandatory.

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A pharmacy receives a prescription for lithium carbonate 300 mg three times daily. Which parameter is most critical for a technician to flag for pharmacist counseling regarding patient monitoring?

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