A nurse is monitoring a patient with gout who is receiving allopurinol.
What is the primary purpose of allopurinol in the treatment of gout?
To relieve acute pain during gout attacks.
To reduce inflammation and swelling in the joints.
To lower uric acid levels in the body.
To improve joint mobility and range of motion.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
"To relieve acute pain during gout attacks" is not the primary purpose of allopurinol.
Allopurinol is used to lower uric acid levels over the long term and prevent future gout attacks, but it does not provide immediate pain relief during acute attacks.
Choice B rationale:
"To reduce inflammation and swelling in the joints" is not the primary purpose of allopurinol.
Allopurinol primarily works by inhibiting the production of uric acid, not by directly reducing inflammation.
Choice C rationale:
"To lower uric acid levels in the body" is the correct choice.
Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that reduces the production of uric acid in the body, helping to maintain uric acid levels within a normal range and prevent gout attacks.
Choice D rationale:
"To improve joint mobility and range of motion" is not the primary purpose of allopurinol.
While effective management of gout can lead to improved joint function over time, allopurinol primarily addresses the underlying cause by lowering uric acid levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Avoid foods high in calcium." This choice is not directly related to gout management.
Calcium is not a significant factor in the development or exacerbation of gout.
Therefore, there is no need to instruct the patient to avoid foods high in calcium as a primary dietary modification for gout.
Choice B rationale:
"Avoid foods high in vitamin C." While vitamin C can be associated with gout prevention due to its potential to lower uric acid levels, it is not a primary dietary modification for reducing purine intake.
Purines are the compounds primarily responsible for uric acid production, and avoiding foods high in purines is a more effective dietary strategy.
Choice C rationale:
"Avoid foods high in purines." This is the correct choice.
Purines are broken down into uric acid, and excess uric acid can lead to gout attacks.
Therefore, advising the patient to avoid foods high in purines is a key dietary recommendation for gout management.
Choice D rationale:
"Avoid foods high in fiber." Fiber is generally considered a healthy component of the diet and is not specifically related to gout management.
There is no need to instruct the patient to avoid foods high in fiber as part of dietary modifications for gout.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"I will take the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as needed for pain" is a reasonable statement, as NSAIDs are often prescribed for pain relief during gout attacks.
However, it's important to note that NSAIDs should be taken as directed by the healthcare provider, and their use should be monitored due to potential side effects.
Choice B rationale:
"I'll make sure to use colchicine during acute attacks to reduce inflammation" is the correct choice.
Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory medication commonly used to treat gout during acute attacks.
Choice C rationale:
"I should avoid corticosteroids unless my doctor says they are necessary" is a reasonable statement.
Corticosteroids are typically reserved for cases of gout where other treatments are ineffective, and their use should be under medical supervision.
Choice D rationale:
"I will take allopurinol regularly to lower my uric acid levels" is a correct statement.
Allopurinol is a medication used to lower uric acid levels in individuals with gout, helping to prevent future attacks.
It is a part of long-term gout management.
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