Before administering carbamazepine, which laboratory test should the nurse assess?

Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant medication commonly used in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder, among other conditions. One of the critical considerations before administering carbamazepine is the potential for hematological side effects, which can include bone marrow suppression leading to conditions such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia.

A complete blood cell count (CBC) is essential as it provides a baseline assessment of the patient’s blood cell levels, which can help monitor for these potential adverse effects. Close monitoring of the CBC is necessary in patients taking carbamazepine, particularly during the initial phases of treatment or when dosage adjustments occur.

While liver function tests, electrolyte panels, and serum potassium levels are important in monitoring different aspects of patient health and medication interactions, they are not specifically indicated for carbamazepine assessment in the same way that a complete blood cell count is. Thus, the CBC is the laboratory test the nurse should prioritize prior to starting therapy with carbamazepine to ensure patient safety.