NURSE MSNC 500 WEEK 3 DIABETES
MELLITUS CASE STUDY-ROUGH DRAFT
(JARON) SOLVED
Introduction
Jaron is a 35-year-old Native American male who presents for a bi-
annual Department of
Transportation (DOT) physical. He is significantly overweight at 348
pounds with a height of 5’9” and reports occasional numbness in his
right foot. Recent community health fair results revealed elevated
fasting blood glucose of 142 mg/dL and total cholesterol of 225 mg/dL.
This paper will explore Jaron’s pharmacological management, the
pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM II) and obesity, and the
expected physical assessment findings, emphasizing the
interrelationship between diabetes and obesity in his clinical
presentation (Tracy, O’Grady, & Phillips, 2019).
Pharmacology Medication 1: Metformin 1,000 mg daily
Mechanism of Action: Metformin is an oral antihyperglycemic agent
that primarily reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin
, sensitivity in peripheral tissues. It enhances glucose uptake and
utilization by muscle cells and reduces intestinal glucose absorption,
thereby lowering blood glucose levels (Lexicomp, 2025).
Dosage, Route, Frequency: 1,000 mg orally once daily with meals
(Lexicomp, 2025).
Indications/Diagnosis: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; hyperglycemia
(Lexicomp, 2025).
Possible Side Effects: Gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, diarrhea,
and abdominal discomfort; rare but serious effects include lactic
acidosis, particularly in patients with renal impairment, and vitamin B12
deficiency with long-term use (Lexicomp, 2025).
Health Promotion: Weight management through diet and exercise,
regular monitoring of blood glucose, and adherence to lifestyle
modifications enhance medication efficacy (Tracy et al., 2019).
Patient Education: Jaron should take Metformin with meals to minimize
gastrointestinal effects, report persistent GI issues, monitor for
hypoglycemia, and schedule routine labs for kidney function and
vitamin B12. Lifestyle interventions such as increased physical activity
and dietary modifications are essential (Tracy et al., 2019).
Medication 2: Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 12.5 mg daily
Mechanism of Action: HCTZ is a thiazide diuretic that inhibits sodium
reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubules of the kidney, leading to
increased sodium and water excretion. This reduces blood volume and
lowers blood pressure (Medscape, 2025).
MELLITUS CASE STUDY-ROUGH DRAFT
(JARON) SOLVED
Introduction
Jaron is a 35-year-old Native American male who presents for a bi-
annual Department of
Transportation (DOT) physical. He is significantly overweight at 348
pounds with a height of 5’9” and reports occasional numbness in his
right foot. Recent community health fair results revealed elevated
fasting blood glucose of 142 mg/dL and total cholesterol of 225 mg/dL.
This paper will explore Jaron’s pharmacological management, the
pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM II) and obesity, and the
expected physical assessment findings, emphasizing the
interrelationship between diabetes and obesity in his clinical
presentation (Tracy, O’Grady, & Phillips, 2019).
Pharmacology Medication 1: Metformin 1,000 mg daily
Mechanism of Action: Metformin is an oral antihyperglycemic agent
that primarily reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin
, sensitivity in peripheral tissues. It enhances glucose uptake and
utilization by muscle cells and reduces intestinal glucose absorption,
thereby lowering blood glucose levels (Lexicomp, 2025).
Dosage, Route, Frequency: 1,000 mg orally once daily with meals
(Lexicomp, 2025).
Indications/Diagnosis: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; hyperglycemia
(Lexicomp, 2025).
Possible Side Effects: Gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, diarrhea,
and abdominal discomfort; rare but serious effects include lactic
acidosis, particularly in patients with renal impairment, and vitamin B12
deficiency with long-term use (Lexicomp, 2025).
Health Promotion: Weight management through diet and exercise,
regular monitoring of blood glucose, and adherence to lifestyle
modifications enhance medication efficacy (Tracy et al., 2019).
Patient Education: Jaron should take Metformin with meals to minimize
gastrointestinal effects, report persistent GI issues, monitor for
hypoglycemia, and schedule routine labs for kidney function and
vitamin B12. Lifestyle interventions such as increased physical activity
and dietary modifications are essential (Tracy et al., 2019).
Medication 2: Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 12.5 mg daily
Mechanism of Action: HCTZ is a thiazide diuretic that inhibits sodium
reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubules of the kidney, leading to
increased sodium and water excretion. This reduces blood volume and
lowers blood pressure (Medscape, 2025).
