Psychopharmacology: valproate monitoring: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Psychopharmacology: valproate monitoring

Sample item

Which monitoring is advised in patients on sodium valproate?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Liver function tests and platelet counts

Valproate can cause hepatotoxicity and thrombocytopenia, and it is also associated with weight gain and hyperammonaemia. Liver function and blood counts are checked at baseline and periodically.

Option by option

  • A. Serum calcium weekly

    Serum calcium is monitored for lithium.

  • B. Serum amylase every week

    Amylase is checked only if pancreatitis is suspected.

  • C. Urine ketones

    Urine ketones are not routine.

  • D. Liver function tests and platelet counts (correct)

    Correct. LFTs and platelets are monitored.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is D, Liver function tests and platelet counts. Valproate can cause hepatotoxicity and thrombocytopenia, and it is also associated with weight gain and hyperammonaemia.

Why is "Serum calcium weekly" not the answer?

Serum calcium is monitored for lithium.

Why is "Serum amylase every week" not the answer?

Amylase is checked only if pancreatitis is suspected.

Why is "Urine ketones" not the answer?

Urine ketones are not routine.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychopharmacology: valproate monitoring in Psychiatry. Liver function and blood counts are checked at baseline and periodically.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Psychopharmacology: valproate monitoring?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.