Final answer:
The healthcare professional should explain to the patient the need to monitor ALT, LDL, CBC, and creatinine clearance when taking pioglitazone to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The healthcare professional should explain to the patient who is about to begin taking pioglitazone (Actos) to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus the need to monitor the following laboratory tests:
- ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): This test measures the level of ALT in the blood and helps monitor liver function as pioglitazone can cause liver damage.
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): This test measures the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Ploglitazone may cause an increase in LDL levels, so it is important to monitor and manage cholesterol levels.
- CBC (Complete Blood Count): This test measures different components of the blood, including red and white blood cells. Ploglitazone can cause anemia or changes in blood cell counts, so monitoring CBC is necessary.
- Creatinine clearance: This test assesses kidney function. Ploglitazone can affect the kidneys, so monitoring creatinine clearance helps detect any abnormalities.