A client taking dantrolene sodium has a laboratory result of LDH 600 units/L. The LPN should recommend notifying the primary health care provider.

A client taking dantrolene sodium has a laboratory result of LDH 600 units/L. The LPN should recommend notifying the primary health care provider.

• A. ALT 60 U/L
• B. WBC 10,000
• C. Platelets 250,000
• D. LDH 600 units/L

Answer: (D)

LDH elevation signals tissue injury somewhere in the body. In someone taking dantrolene, a rise in LDH can indicate potential hepatotoxicity or muscle breakdown, which are serious adverse effects that require clinician review. A value of 600 U/L is markedly above typical normal ranges, so it stands out as the abnormal finding that needs escalation. The other listed values (ALT around normal to mildly elevated, WBC within normal limits, platelets normal) don’t raise as immediate a concern in this context, so the LDH elevation is the clue that prompts contacting the provider. The provider will likely order a full hepatic panel and assess for symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, RUQ pain, or fatigue, and decide whether to adjust or discontinue dantrolene based on the complete assessment.

LDH elevation signals tissue injury somewhere in the body. In someone taking dantrolene, a rise in LDH can indicate potential hepatotoxicity or muscle breakdown, which are serious adverse effects that require clinician review. A value of 600 U/L is markedly above typical normal ranges, so it stands out as the abnormal finding that needs escalation. The other listed values (ALT around normal to mildly elevated, WBC within normal limits, platelets normal) don’t raise as immediate a concern in this context, so the LDH elevation is the clue that prompts contacting the provider. The provider will likely order a full hepatic panel and assess for symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, RUQ pain, or fatigue, and decide whether to adjust or discontinue dantrolene based on the complete assessment.