Starting methotrexate requires which monitoring?

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Multiple Choice

Starting methotrexate requires which monitoring?

Explanation:
Starting methotrexate requires regular full blood count and liver function tests because two main risks with this drug are bone marrow suppression and liver injury. Methotrexate can impair production of blood cells, so a complete blood count is checked regularly to detect anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia early, allowing dose adjustments or interruption if needed. It can also cause hepatotoxicity, so liver function tests (such as ALT/AST and bilirubin) are monitored to identify liver injury before it progresses. Baseline testing and ongoing intervals help ensure any toxic effects are caught promptly. Other options like a low-sodium diet, daily weight measurement, or weekly ECG are not standard monitoring requirements for starting methotrexate.

Starting methotrexate requires regular full blood count and liver function tests because two main risks with this drug are bone marrow suppression and liver injury. Methotrexate can impair production of blood cells, so a complete blood count is checked regularly to detect anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia early, allowing dose adjustments or interruption if needed. It can also cause hepatotoxicity, so liver function tests (such as ALT/AST and bilirubin) are monitored to identify liver injury before it progresses. Baseline testing and ongoing intervals help ensure any toxic effects are caught promptly. Other options like a low-sodium diet, daily weight measurement, or weekly ECG are not standard monitoring requirements for starting methotrexate.

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