A client with a history of gout comes to the clinic with an inflamed left knee. The client reports the knee is extremely painful to touch for the second time in 6 months. The healthcare provider prescribes colchicine and ibuprofen. What instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

Choice A rationale Using an electric heating pad when the pain is at its worst is not recommended for a client with gout. Heat can increase inflammation and exacerbate pain. Instead, applying a cold pack to the inflamed joint can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Choice B rationale Acetylsalicylic acid, also known as aspirin, can increase uric acid levels in the blood and exacerbate gout symptoms. Therefore, clients with gout should avoid taking medications containing acetylsalicylic acid. Choice C rationale Consuming high-protein foods can increase uric acid levels in the blood and trigger a gout attack. Clients with gout are usually advised to follow a low-purine diet, which involves limiting the intake of high-purine foods such as red meat and seafood. Choice D rationale Encouraging active range of motion to limit stiffness may not be appropriate for a client with an acute gout attack. During an attack, moving the affected joint can be extremely painful. Rest and immobilization of the affected joint are usually recommended during this time.