ATI RN Nus 100 Fundamentals Proctored Exam
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ATI RN Nus 100 Fundamentals Proctored Exam
A nurse is conversing with a client who has gout. The nurse should teach the client to avoid which of the following beverages?
Explanation
Choice A rationale Whole milk contains proteins like lactalbumin and casein which may actually help in the excretion of uric acid from the body. While it contains fats, low-fat or full-fat dairy is generally considered safe or even beneficial for gout patients because it does not contain high levels of purines. Therefore, avoiding milk is not a primary recommendation for managing gout symptoms or preventing painful flare-ups in the joints. Choice B rationale Orange juice is high in fructose, which can increase uric acid production by accelerating the breakdown of adenosine triphosphate. However, it is not as detrimental as alcoholic beverages or high-purine liquids. While monitoring fructose intake is wise for gout management, orange juice is typically not the first beverage a nurse would instruct a client to strictly avoid compared to alcohol, which has a much more significant impact on renal uric acid clearance. Choice C rationale Cherry juice is actually recommended for clients with gout because it contains anthocyanins which have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest that cherry consumption is associated with a lower risk of gout attacks because it helps lower serum urate levels. Teaching a client to avoid cherry juice would be counterproductive to their treatment plan, as it is a natural remedy often used to decrease the frequency of painful inflammatory episodes. Choice D rationale Organic wine contains alcohol which is a major trigger for gout flares because it competes with uric acid for excretion in the kidneys. When the kidneys prioritize processing alcohol, uric acid levels rise in the blood, leading to crystal formation in the joints. Even organic versions contain ethanol, which increases purine nucleotide metabolism. Alcohol consumption also leads to dehydration, which further concentrates uric acid and facilitates the crystallization process.