What should the nurse monitor due to the risk of hepatitis in patients taking rifampin?

Monitoring liver enzymes is crucial for patients taking rifampin because this medication is known to have hepatotoxic effects. Rifampin can potentially cause liver damage and increase the levels of liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the bloodstream. Elevated liver enzymes indicate inflammation or injury to liver cells, which is a significant concern for patients on this medication.

Patients with existing liver disease or those taking multiple medications that can affect liver function are at even greater risk. Regular monitoring allows for early detection of liver impairment, enabling timely intervention to prevent further complications. In this context, assessing liver enzyme levels provides crucial information about the patient's hepatic health and aids in managing the risk of drug-induced hepatitis effectively.