A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected gout.
Which clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to find in this patient? .
"My joint pain has been gradually increasing over the past few months.”
"I have noticed that my joint is swollen, red, and warm.”
"I can move my affected joint without any limitations.”
"I have been experiencing hard lumps of uric acid crystals under my skin.”
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
The statement, "My joint pain has been gradually increasing over the past few months," is indicative of gout, but it is not a specific clinical manifestation.
Gout typically presents with sudden and severe joint pain during acute attacks.
Choice B rationale:
"I have noticed that my joint is swollen, red, and warm" is the correct choice.
These are classic clinical manifestations of gout during an acute attack.
The accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint causes inflammation, leading to redness, warmth, and swelling.
Choice C rationale:
"I can move my affected joint without any limitations" is not consistent with gout.
Gout attacks often limit joint mobility due to pain and inflammation.
Choice D rationale:
"I have been experiencing hard lumps of uric acid crystals under my skin" describes tophi, which are a more advanced manifestation of gout.
While tophi can occur in some cases, they are not one of the initial clinical manifestations of gout.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
"Excessive alcohol consumption is unrelated to gout development." This statement is not entirely accurate.
Excessive alcohol consumption, especially of beer and spirits, has been associated with an increased risk of gout.
Alcohol can raise uric acid levels and contribute to gout development, although it is not the sole cause.
Choice B rationale:
"Low-purine diets are a significant risk factor for gout." This statement is incorrect.
Low-purine diets are actually recommended for individuals with gout because foods high in purines can lead to higher uric acid levels, which can trigger gout attacks.
Low-purine diets help reduce the risk of gout flares.
Choice C rationale:
"Obesity and hypertension have no association with gout." This statement is inaccurate.
Obesity and hypertension are indeed risk factors associated with gout.
Obesity can lead to increased uric acid production, and hypertension is associated with higher uric acid levels as well.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Are you taking any medications for pain relief?" This choice is not the most appropriate in this situation.
While it is important to address the patient's pain, understanding the medications aimed at treating the underlying cause, which is high uric acid levels, is more crucial.
Pain relief medications may provide symptomatic relief but do not address the root cause of gout.
Choice B rationale:
"Are you taking any medications to lower your uric acid levels?" This is the correct choice.
Gout is primarily caused by elevated uric acid levels in the blood, leading to the formation of urate crystals in the joints.
Lowering uric acid levels is a key component of managing and preventing gout attacks.
Asking about medications that target this aspect of the condition is essential for the patient's care.
Choice C rationale:
"Are you taking any medications to treat kidney stones?" This choice is not the most appropriate in this context.
While kidney stones can be associated with gout due to the deposition of urate crystals in the kidneys, the primary concern in gout management is to control uric acid levels and prevent joint inflammation.
Kidney stone treatment may be relevant but is not the immediate focus of care.
Choice D rationale:
"Are you taking any medications to promote weight loss?" This choice is not relevant to gout management.
While weight loss can be beneficial for some patients with gout, especially if they are overweight, it is not a primary medication-based treatment for the condition.
Lowering uric acid levels and managing pain are more critical aspects of gout care.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.