Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

For a patient with myasthenia gravis on immunosuppressive medication, which laboratory test should be monitored most frequently?

1. Serum electrolyte levels

2. White blood cell count

3. Blood glucose levels

4. Liver function tests

The correct answer is: White blood cell count

In the case of a patient with myasthenia gravis who is receiving immunosuppressive medication, monitoring the white blood cell count is crucial. Immunosuppressive therapies aim to dampen the immune system's activity, which is necessary to manage autoimmune disorders like myasthenia gravis. However, this suppression can increase the risk of infections and other complications. By regularly monitoring the white blood cell count, healthcare providers can assess the patient's immune status. A decline in white blood cell counts could indicate that the patient is becoming immunocompromised, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to infections. Additionally, significant fluctuations might necessitate adjustments in medication or further medical intervention to protect the patient’s overall health. While the other laboratory tests have their importance, they do not specifically relate to the condition and treatment of myasthenia gravis in the same way. Serum electrolyte levels are often monitored for other conditions and side effects of medications, blood glucose levels are primarily monitored in diabetic patients or those on corticosteroids, and liver function tests are needed to ensure that medications are not harming the liver but are less critical in the context of ongoing myasthenia gravis treatment. Thus, the most relevant and frequently monitored test in this scenario is indeed the