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Hyperkalaemia — MRCGP AKT MCQ

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EasyPharmacologyHyperkalaemiaMRCGP AKTUKMLAPARAPSAMRCP Part 1

A 70-year-old man remains on oral amiodarone after specialist initiation for ventricular arrhythmia. The shared-care plan asks the GP to continue safety monitoring. He currently feels well. Which routine blood-test schedule is most appropriate once treatment is stable?

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Correct answer: D — Six-monthly thyroid and liver tests with electrolytes

Stable amiodarone treatment requires ongoing six-monthly thyroid and liver function testing and electrolyte assessment, with at least annual ECG review and symptom-driven assessment for lung, eye, skin and neurological toxicity. Daily FBC, monthly troponin or CK and isolated coagulation testing do not monitor its principal toxicities. Absence of symptoms does not remove the need because thyroid and hepatic injury may initially be biochemical. New cough or dyspnoea needs urgent chest and specialist assessment rather than waiting for the next routine test.

Reference: NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service. Amiodarone monitoring. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/monitorings/amiodarone-monitoring/