Which of the following laboratory tests should be monitored at least weekly in a patient receiving ganciclovir (Cytovene)?
a. Serum albumin and total protein
b. Serum electrolytes and blood glucose
c. Neutrophil and platelet counts
d. Amylase and lipase
ANS: C
Ganciclovir can cause a potentially fatal neutropenia, which is the most common dose-limiting effect of the drug. It can also cause thrombocytopenia, resulting in the need to monitor neutro-phil and platelet counts at least weekly during therapy.
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