Problem: JQ is a 52-year-old black male who has recently been diagnosed with HTN. His resting BP is 158/92. He has a BMI of 30 and reports a smoking history of 1 pack per day for 10 years. The patient works at a desk for a copier company. Past medical history includes Type 2 Diabetes. He has been prescribed hydrochlorothiazide.
After a month, JQ returns to the office for a checkup. He complains of muscle weakness and fatigue. His current lab work reports: NA 135, K 3.2 meq/L, Mg 2 meq/l, Uric acid 4 mg/dl, Fasting Glucose 120 mg/dl
1. Analyze the patient's lab work. Which values are of concern and why?
2. How does the patient's lab work and symptoms correlate with the patient's drug regimen?
3. What provider orders should the nurse anticipate?