What lab test is crucial to monitor before administering chemotherapy?

What lab test is crucial to monitor before administering chemotherapy?

• A. Blood Glucose Level
• B. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• C. Liver Function Test
• D. Electrolyte Panel

Answer: (B)

Monitoring a Complete Blood Count (CBC) before administering chemotherapy is critical due to the potential effects of chemotherapy on blood cell production. Chemotherapy can suppress bone marrow function, leading to a decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The CBC provides vital information about the patient's blood cell levels. Specifically, it helps assess the following: 1. **White Blood Cells (WBCs)**: These are crucial for the immune response. Chemotherapy can lead to neutropenia (a low level of neutrophils), increasing the risk of infections. Ensuring the WBC count is adequate can help determine if it is safe to proceed with treatment. 2. **Red Blood Cells (RBCs)**: A low RBC count may indicate anemia, which can lead to fatigue and other complications. Monitoring hemoglobin levels helps guide the decision on whether interventions, such as transfusions, are necessary prior to treatment. 3. **Platelets**: Platelet levels are essential for proper clotting. Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) increases the risk of bleeding, so it’s important to assess before administering chemotherapy that could exacerbate this risk. While other tests like liver function tests, glucose levels, and electrolyte panels are

Monitoring a Complete Blood Count (CBC) before administering chemotherapy is critical due to the potential effects of chemotherapy on blood cell production. Chemotherapy can suppress bone marrow function, leading to a decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

The CBC provides vital information about the patient's blood cell levels. Specifically, it helps assess the following:

1. White Blood Cells (WBCs): These are crucial for the immune response. Chemotherapy can lead to neutropenia (a low level of neutrophils), increasing the risk of infections. Ensuring the WBC count is adequate can help determine if it is safe to proceed with treatment.

2. Red Blood Cells (RBCs): A low RBC count may indicate anemia, which can lead to fatigue and other complications. Monitoring hemoglobin levels helps guide the decision on whether interventions, such as transfusions, are necessary prior to treatment.

3. Platelets: Platelet levels are essential for proper clotting. Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) increases the risk of bleeding, so it’s important to assess before administering chemotherapy that could exacerbate this risk.

While other tests like liver function tests, glucose levels, and electrolyte panels are