A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and a new prescription for valproate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client al t about the use of this medication?

A. Thyroid function tests are not routinely required for valproate therapy; this applies more to lithium therapy. B. A pretreatment EEG is not necessary before starting valproate; it is used primarily for seizure evaluation. C. Valproate can cause hepatotoxicity, so monitoring liver function tests (LFTs) before and during therapy is essential for safety. D. High serum sodium levels are not related to valproate toxicity; this concern is associated with lithium therapy, not valproate.