A patient with bipolar disorder is being treated with lithium. What laboratory test should be used to evaluate the effectiveness and toxicity of the patient's lithium levels?
1. Complete blood count
2. Basic metabolic panel
3. Urinalysis
4. Serum blood level test
4. Serum blood level test
Explanation: 4. A serum blood level test will monitor therapeutic levels of medications, such as lithium, and test for drug toxicity. A complete blood count (CBC) may be used to monitor for infections, toxins, preexisting conditions, or responses to medications. A basic metabolic panel (BMP) helps identify preexisting conditions or monitor side effects to medication. Urinalysis can identify pregnancy, diabetes, proteins, or drug abuse.
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