A patient with chronic gout is prescribed allopurinol. Which statement by the patient indicates a correct understanding of the medication's purpose?
"Allopurinol helps to lower uric acid levels and prevent future gout attacks."
“I should take allopurinol during an acute gout attack to relieve pain immediately."
“I should avoid drinking water while taking allopurinol to prevent kidney stones."
"Allopurinol works by reducing inflammation in my joints during a flare-up."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "Allopurinol helps to lower uric acid levels and prevent future gout attacks." Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that decreases uric acid production, helping to prevent future gout attacks rather than treating acute flares.
B. “I should take allopurinol during an acute gout attack to relieve pain immediately." Allopurinol is not used for acute gout attacks because it does not have immediate pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, starting or increasing allopurinol during an acute attack may worsen symptoms.
C. “I should avoid drinking water while taking allopurinol to prevent kidney stones." Adequate hydration is essential while taking allopurinol to prevent uric acid kidney stones and to help eliminate excess uric acid from the body.
D. "Allopurinol works by reducing inflammation in my joints during a flare-up." Allopurinol does not have anti-inflammatory properties. It lowers uric acid levels over time, reducing the risk of future gout attacks but not treating acute inflammation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Medicate the client for pain: Pain management is essential after surgery; however, it is not the most critical action. Unrelieved pain could indicate a complication, such as compartment syndrome, which requires further assessment.
B. Direct the client to perform exercises of the ankle and toes: Performing ankle and toe exercises helps prevent complications such as venous thromboembolism (VTE) and promotes circulation, but it is not the priority over assessing for complications.
C. Instruct the client on the use of crutches: Teaching the client how to use crutches is important for mobility, but this is not the most immediate postoperative concern.
D. Perform neurovascular checks of the extremities: This is the most important intervention because neurovascular compromise (e.g., compartment syndrome) can occur after orthopedic surgery. Checking circulation, movement, and sensation (CMS) is critical for early detection of complications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Fat embolism syndrome: Fat embolism syndrome (FES) typically presents with respiratory symptoms, such as dyspnea, petechiae, and confusion. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and bloating are not characteristic of FES.
B. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): DVT primarily presents with unilateral leg swelling, pain, and warmth, rather than gastrointestinal symptoms. While immobilization increases the risk of DVT, the patient’s symptoms do not align with this condition.
C. Compartment syndrome: Compartment syndrome involves severe pain, pallor, paresthesia, pulselessness, and paralysis in an affected limb. Gastrointestinal symptoms are not associated with compartment syndrome.
D. Cast syndrome (Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome - SMAS): SMAS occurs when the full-body cast compresses the superior mesenteric artery, leading to nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, and weight loss due to gastric obstruction. This condition is common in patients immobilized for prolonged periods.
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