What should be monitored when amiodarone is initiated in a patient?

What should be monitored when amiodarone is initiated in a patient?

• A. Blood pressure and heart rate
• B. Regular lung, liver, and thyroid function tests
• C. Daily weight and fluid intake
• D. Renal function and electrolytes

Answer: (B)

When amiodarone is initiated in a patient, monitoring regular lung, liver, and thyroid function tests is essential due to the medication's potential adverse effects on these organs. Amiodarone is well-known for its impact on the thyroid gland, which can lead to either hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Additionally, the drug can cause pulmonary toxicity manifesting as interstitial lung disease, thus necessitating lung function assessments. Liver function tests are crucial since amiodarone is metabolized by the liver, and hepatotoxicity can occur. Regular monitoring helps in the early detection of these possible side effects, enabling timely interventions to prevent serious complications. This comprehensive monitoring is crucial for maintaining patient safety and ensuring effective management when using amiodarone as a treatment for arrhythmias.

When amiodarone is initiated in a patient, monitoring regular lung, liver, and thyroid function tests is essential due to the medication's potential adverse effects on these organs. Amiodarone is well-known for its impact on the thyroid gland, which can lead to either hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Additionally, the drug can cause pulmonary toxicity manifesting as interstitial lung disease, thus necessitating lung function assessments. Liver function tests are crucial since amiodarone is metabolized by the liver, and hepatotoxicity can occur.

Regular monitoring helps in the early detection of these possible side effects, enabling timely interventions to prevent serious complications. This comprehensive monitoring is crucial for maintaining patient safety and ensuring effective management when using amiodarone as a treatment for arrhythmias.