A nurse is caring for a patient with gout who is experiencing severe joint pain and swelling.
The nurse asks the patient about their current medications.
Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate in this situation?
"Are you taking any medications for pain relief?”
"Are you taking any medications to lower your uric acid levels?”
"Are you taking any medications to treat kidney stones?”
"Are you taking any medications to promote weight loss?”
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Chronic gouty arthritis." Chronic gouty arthritis is a potential complication of gout, but it is not the highest priority when discussing potential risks with the client.
Kidney stones and kidney damage (nephrolithiasis) are more concerning complications due to their impact on overall health.
Choice B rationale:
"Tophi formation in joints and soft tissues." Tophi formation is a complication of gout and can lead to joint deformities and limited mobility.
While it is important to address, kidney stones and kidney damage pose a more immediate and severe threat to the client's well-being.
Choice C rationale:
"Joint deformities and limited mobility." This is a valid concern, but kidney stones and kidney damage (nephrolithiasis) should be prioritized when discussing potential complications of gout because they can have more serious systemic consequences.
Choice D rationale:
"Kidney stones or kidney damage (nephrolithiasis)." This is the correct choice.
Kidney stones and kidney damage can result from the deposition of urate crystals in the kidneys, which is a complication of gout.
These complications can lead to significant health issues and should be prioritized in discussions with the client.
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
Swelling and redness in the affected joint.
E. Increased urinary frequency and urgency.
Choice B rationale:
"Elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood." Elevated cholesterol levels are not indicative of gout.
Gout is primarily related to uric acid metabolism, and its clinical presentation includes joint symptoms like swelling and redness.
Choice C rationale:
"Severe abdominal pain and diarrhea." Severe abdominal pain and diarrhea are not typical signs of gout.
These symptoms are more suggestive of gastrointestinal issues rather than gout.
Choice D rationale:
"History of heart disease." While gout and heart disease can coexist, a history of heart disease is not a direct clinical finding indicative of gout.
Gout primarily affects the joints and is characterized by symptoms such as joint pain and swelling.
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