A patient taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for a year has the following blood laboratory test values. Which value does the nurse report to the prescriber immediately?

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. Nearly all antiretroviral drugs 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.

Nursing

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Nursing