Question

A client with trigeminal neuralgia is being treated with carbamazepine, 400 mg orally daily. Which value indicates that the client is experiencing an adverse effect to the medication?

1.Sodium level, 140 mEq/L (140 mmol/L)
2.Uric acid level, 4.0 mg/dL (0.24 mmol/L)
3.White blood cell count, 3000 mm3 (3.0 × 109/L)
4.Blood urea nitrogen level, 10 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L)

Answer 1

The value that indicates an adverse effect of carbamazepine is an elevated white blood cell count.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is 3. White blood cell count, 3000 mm3 (3.0 × 109/L).

Elevated white blood cell count (WBC) is indicative of an adverse effect of carbamazepine. An increase in WBC count can suggest bone marrow suppression, which is a potential side effect of the medication.

It is important for patients taking carbamazepine to have regular blood tests to monitor their WBC count, as the medication can cause suppression of bone marrow function.