(Select all that apply): A nurse is providing care for a patient with gout.
Which nursing interventions are appropriate for managing gout? Select all that apply.

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.

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.