What parameters should be monitored for patients on antipsychotics?

Monitoring patients on antipsychotics is crucial for managing potential side effects and ensuring overall health. The correct choice, which includes parameters such as prolactin levels, Body Mass Index (BMI), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), and full blood count (FBC), directly addresses the common side effects associated with antipsychotic medications.

Prolactin is particularly important to monitor because many antipsychotics can elevate prolactin levels, leading to complications like galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and decreased libido. Monitoring BMI is essential due to the risk of weight gain associated with several antipsychotics, which can further predispose patients to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular issues. TSH is included to check for thyroid dysfunction, which can occur as a side effect of certain antipsychotics, while FBC is essential for monitoring blood cell counts, as some antipsychotics can affect bone marrow function and lead to conditions such as agranulocytosis.

Together, these parameters help ensure that the patient's overall health is maintained while being treated with antipsychotic medications, enabling timely interventions should any abnormalities arise.