What action should a healthcare practitioner take if a patient presents with elevated liver enzymes while on INH?

What action should a healthcare practitioner take if a patient presents with elevated liver enzymes while on INH?

• A. Increase the dosage of INH
• B. Continue with the same treatment regimen
• C. Assess symptoms and possibly discontinue INH
• D. Refer to a dietitian for nutritional support

Answer: (C)

When a patient presents with elevated liver enzymes while on isoniazid (INH), the appropriate action is to assess symptoms and potentially discontinue INH. Elevated liver enzymes can signify hepatotoxicity, an important and serious side effect of INH. Monitoring for symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain is crucial, as these may indicate liver damage. If liver enzymes are significantly elevated, continuing INH without reassessment could lead to severe liver injury. Therefore, the responsible course of action involves evaluating the patient's overall condition and considering the discontinuation of the medication to prevent further harm. This ensures both patient safety and adherence to guidelines regarding the management of potential drug-induced liver injury. The other options would not adequately address the risk associated with elevated liver enzymes. Increasing the dosage could exacerbate hepatic toxicity, while continuing the treatment regimen ignores the need for careful monitoring. Lastly, while referring to a dietitian may benefit the patient's nutrition, it does not address the urgent need to evaluate and respond to liver function concerns associated with INH.

When a patient presents with elevated liver enzymes while on isoniazid (INH), the appropriate action is to assess symptoms and potentially discontinue INH. Elevated liver enzymes can signify hepatotoxicity, an important and serious side effect of INH. Monitoring for symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain is crucial, as these may indicate liver damage.

If liver enzymes are significantly elevated, continuing INH without reassessment could lead to severe liver injury. Therefore, the responsible course of action involves evaluating the patient's overall condition and considering the discontinuation of the medication to prevent further harm. This ensures both patient safety and adherence to guidelines regarding the management of potential drug-induced liver injury.

The other options would not adequately address the risk associated with elevated liver enzymes. Increasing the dosage could exacerbate hepatic toxicity, while continuing the treatment regimen ignores the need for careful monitoring. Lastly, while referring to a dietitian may benefit the patient's nutrition, it does not address the urgent need to evaluate and respond to liver function concerns associated with INH.