Final answer:
In a patient receiving hydrochlorothiazide and digoxin, monitoring potassium levels is most significant due to the risk of hypokalemia from the diuretic therapy, which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lab result that a nurse would recognize as most significant for a patient receiving hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) and digoxin (Lanoxin) would most likely be potassium levels. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic commonly used to treat hypertension, not hypotension, and it works not on the loop of Henle, but on the distal convoluted tubule where it inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions. This causes increased urine output, which can lead to the depletion of potassium, known as hypokalemia. Low potassium levels are particularly concerning in patients taking digoxin, as hypokalemia can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity, which affects the heart's rhythm and function.
Therefore, the nurse should be vigilant for signs of hypokalemia and monitor the patient's electrolyte levels as a priority. Other important lab results to monitor could include sodium, chloride, and overall renal function to assess the efficacy and side effects of the diuretic therapy.