A patient with hypertension on hydrochlorothiazide has a normal serum uric acid level. What should the nurse practitioner do?

In the scenario presented, the most appropriate action is to continue the patient on the same medication, hydrochlorothiazide. This is because the patient currently demonstrates a normal serum uric acid level, which indicates that there is no hyperuricemia or gout at this time. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic often used for managing hypertension, and it can actually increase uric acid levels in some patients. However, as long as the patient’s uric acid levels remain within the normal range and there are no symptoms of gout or elevated uric acid levels, there is no need to make any changes to the medication regimen.

Monitoring is typically recommended for patients on thiazide diuretics, but without any indication of elevated uric acid levels or gout, the patient's current treatment plan can be safely continued. This approach helps maintain blood pressure control while minimizing unnecessary medication changes or interventions that may not be warranted based on the patient's current status.