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    Ati Pn Pharmacology 2023 Proctored Exam

    A nurse is caring for a client who is taking allopurinol. Which of the following laboratory findings indicates the medication has been effective?

    Explanation & Rationale

    B. Allopurinol is primarily prescribed to lower uric acid levels in the blood. It achieves this by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is involved in the production of uric acid. Lowering uric acid levels helps prevent the formation of uric acid crystals, which can lead to gout attacks or kidney stones. A. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. Allopurinol is not directly involved in lowering triglyceride levels. Medications that are typically used to lower triglycerides include statins, fibrates, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids. C. Albumin is a protein found in the blood, and its levels can be affected by various factors such as liver or kidney function. Allopurinol is not known to directly influence albumin levels. Therefore, an increase in albumin would not be a laboratory finding indicative of the effectiveness of allopurinol. D. Potassium levels in the blood can be influenced by medications, diet, kidney function, and other factors. Allopurinol is not typically associated with increasing potassium levels. In fact, certain medications used to treat gout, such as thiazide diuretics, can lead to increased potassium levels.

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