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Furosemide counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardCardiovascular TherapeuticsFurosemide counsellingGPhC CRA

A patient stable on lithium has a new prescription for furosemide. Lithium concentration and renal function have not been checked for four months. What is the most appropriate response?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Confirm the plan and arrange lithium, renal and toxicity monitoring

Option A is correct because diuretics can alter lithium clearance and increase toxicity risk; necessity, baseline status and an enhanced monitoring plan should be established. Option D fails to respond to an important new interaction after four months without results. Option C may destabilise fluid balance and does not replace tests. Option E makes an unauthorised lithium change. Option B is particularly unsafe because thiazides commonly increase lithium concentrations.

Reference: Lithium carbonate SmPC: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10828/smpc