What laboratory value might be elevated in an 82-year-old patient receiving hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic commonly used to manage hypertension and edema. One of the notable effects of thiazide diuretics is their influence on electrolyte balance and metabolic processes, particularly in older adults who may already have alterations in these balances due to age-related factors and comorbidities.

The correct answer related to laboratory values elevated in an elderly patient on hydrochlorothiazide is uric acid levels. Thiazide diuretics can interfere with uric acid excretion by the kidneys, leading to increased serum uric acid concentrations. This increase in uric acid is particularly significant because it can contribute to the development of gout, especially in predisposed individuals, such as older adults.

Other laboratory values mentioned, such as potassium and calcium levels, typically do not show an elevation in response to hydrochlorothiazide. In fact, hydrochlorothiazide often causes hypokalemia (low potassium levels) and may not significantly raise calcium levels; instead, it can sometimes lead to increased calcium reabsorption, resulting in normal or elevated serum calcium where hypercalcemia may be more of a concern. Additionally, glucose levels could potentially be affected in diabetics, but not typically elevated solely due to the use