A nurse is planning care for a patient with gout.
What nursing intervention should be included in the plan of care for this patient?
Encourage the patient to consume a diet high in purines.
Administer diuretics to help eliminate excess uric acid.
Provide education on dietary modifications to reduce purine intake.
Instruct the patient to avoid hydration to prevent uric acid buildup.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
"Encourage the patient to consume a diet high in purines." Encouraging a high-purine diet is not appropriate for a patient with gout.
High-purine foods can lead to increased uric acid levels, exacerbating gout symptoms.
The goal is to reduce purine intake.
Choice B rationale:
"Administer diuretics to help eliminate excess uric acid." While diuretics can increase uric acid levels in some cases, they are not typically administered as a primary treatment for gout.
In fact, certain diuretics can exacerbate gout symptoms by raising uric acid levels.
They are usually avoided or used cautiously in gout management.
Choice D rationale:
"Instruct the patient to avoid hydration to prevent uric acid buildup." Instructing the patient to avoid hydration is not appropriate and can be harmful.
Proper hydration is essential for gout management because it helps flush excess uric acid from the body.
Dehydration can lead to increased uric acid concentration in the blood and may worsen gout symptoms.
Questions
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
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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