A nurse is discussing gout with a client who is concerned about developing the disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as risk factors for this disease? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason:
Dysuria, or painful urination, is a common symptom of cystitis and indicates inflammation of the bladder, often caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). While it is a symptom to monitor, it does not necessarily indicate progression of the infection.

Choice B reason:
An increased frequency of urination can be a symptom of cystitis due to irritation of the bladder lining. However, like dysuria, it is a common symptom of a UTI and may not signify that the infection is worsening.

Choice C reason:
Pyuria, the presence of white blood cells in the urine, and hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine, are both indicators of inflammation and infection. These symptoms can occur with cystitis but are also not specific to the progression of the infection.

Choice D reason:
Fever is a systemic response to infection and can indicate that a UTI, such as cystitis, is worsening or spreading, possibly to the kidneys, which is known as pyelonephritis. Monitoring for fever is important because it may necessitate more aggressive treatment, such as antibiotics, and possibly hospitalization if the infection is severe.

Choice A reason:
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can cause hyperglycemia, especially in clients with diabetes. The nurse should monitor blood glucose levels because prednisone can increase insulin resistance and hepatic glucose production, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Normal fasting blood glucose levels range from 70 to 99 mg/dL, and for individuals with diabetes, maintaining blood glucose levels within the target range set by their healthcare provider is crucial to prevent complications.

Choice B reason:
While corticosteroids can affect electrolyte balance, they typically cause a decrease in potassium levels, not an increase. Therefore, monitoring for hypokalemia, rather than hyperkalemia, would be more appropriate when a patient is on prednisone. The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.

Choice C reason:
Corticosteroids like prednisone can cause leukocytosis, an increase in white blood cell count, as part of their immunosuppressive action. However, this is generally not a harmful side effect unless accompanied by infection or other complications. The normal range for white blood cell count is approximately 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter.

Choice D reason:
Increased ketones in the urine, or ketonuria, is not a typical side effect of prednisone. Ketonuria is more commonly associated with uncontrolled diabetes, particularly Type 1 diabetes, when there is an insulin deficiency and the body resorts to fat breakdown, leading to ketone production.