Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What laboratory tests are recommended for monitoring the adverse effects of atypical antipsychotics?

1. Fasting blood glucose, fasting lipid profile, and weight

2. Serum creatinine and urinalysis

3. Liver function tests only

4. CBC with differential and liver function tests

The correct answer is: Fasting blood glucose, fasting lipid profile, and weight

The recommended laboratory tests for monitoring the adverse effects of atypical antipsychotics include fasting blood glucose, fasting lipid profile, and weight. This is crucial because atypical antipsychotics are associated with metabolic side effects, including weight gain, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Monitoring fasting blood glucose helps in identifying and managing the risk of developing diabetes mellitus, which can be heightened with the use of these medications. The fasting lipid profile is essential to assess changes in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as these medications can contribute to hyperlipidemia. Regular weight monitoring is also important, since significant weight gain can lead to other metabolic complications, and early interventions can be implemented to mitigate this risk. This approach is particularly important for maintaining overall health and preventing long-term complications associated with the metabolic syndrome that can result from atypical antipsychotic treatment, making this combination of tests vital for patient care.