When administering "azole" antifungals (such as fluconazole) orally for a prolonged period of time it is most important to monitor which function?

A. Respiratory Function: Monitoring respiratory function is important for conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It involves assessing lung sounds, oxygen saturation levels, and breathing patterns. This monitoring is essential to detect any signs of respiratory distress.

B. Cardiac Function: Monitoring cardiac function includes assessing heart rate, blood pressure, and rhythm. It's crucial for patients with heart conditions like heart failure or arrhythmias. This monitoring helps in identifying irregularities in heart function and provides insights into the overall cardiovascular health of the patient.

C. Renal Function: Monitoring renal function involves assessing kidney health, which includes tests like serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This is vital for patients with kidney diseases or those taking medications that can impact kidney function. Monitoring renal function helps in detecting any signs of kidney impairment or failure.

D. Liver Function: Monitoring liver function involves tests like liver enzymes (AST, ALT), bilirubin levels, and albumin levels. This is essential for patients taking medications that can affect the liver, such as certain antifungals, statins, or pain relievers. Monitoring liver function helps in identifying liver damage or dysfunction early on.

A. Neutrophils: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune system's response to infections, particularly bacterial infections. They are not primarily involved in eliminating cancer cells.

B. Eosinophils: Eosinophils are another type of white blood cell. They are important in the immune response to parasites and are also involved in allergic reactions. While they have a role in the immune system, they are not the primary cells involved in eliminating cancer cells.

C. Platelets: Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are not cells but rather small cell fragments. They are essential for blood clotting and do not directly participate in the immune response against cancer cells.

D. Macrophages: Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that are involved in the immune system's defense against cancer. They are phagocytes, which means they engulf and digest cellular debris, foreign substances, and cancer cells. Macrophages play a crucial role in the body's immune surveillance and response against cancer.