A patient who has been taking methimazole (Tapazole) for 3 weeks has all of the following laboratory blood test results. Which result does the nurse report immediately to the prescriber?
a. White blood cell count 3500 cells/mm3
b. Lactate dehydrogenase 990 IU/L
c. Sodium 132 mEq/L
d. Hematocrit 32%
B
All of these blood values are abnormal; however, only the lactate dehydrogenase level is very high (four times normal). This value indicates liver impairment. Methimazole can cause liver impairment. This value must be reported immediately so that liver function can be explored and any needed changes in drug therapy made before irreversible liver damage occurs.
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