Which parameter should the nurse monitor weekly for a patient receiving flucytosine to treat meningitis?

When a patient is receiving flucytosine for the treatment of meningitis, it is essential to monitor hematologic status weekly due to the drug’s potential to cause bone marrow suppression. Flucytosine can lead to myelosuppression, which can manifest as leukopenia (decreased white blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count), or aplastic anemia. Regular monitoring of the complete blood count (CBC) allows healthcare providers to detect any significant changes in blood cell levels early, enabling timely interventions if necessary.

The other parameters, while important in the overall management of the patient, are not as critical to weekly monitoring specifically for flucytosine therapy. Neurological status is crucial in assessing the progression or resolution of meningitis symptoms, but it does not directly relate to the side effects of flucytosine. Cardiovascular and gastrointestinal statuses are also important in the holistic care of the patient but do not reflect the specific hematologic risks associated with flucytosine treatment. Therefore, focusing on hematologic status is the most pertinent choice for this context.