A patient with gouty arthritis is experiencing tenderness and swelling in the right ankle and big toe. The nurse notes that the inflammation extends above the ankle area. The patient has been prescribed colchicine and indomethacin. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

Gouty arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, causing severe pain and inflammation. Drinking plenty of water can help to flush the uric acid out of the body, reducing the risk of crystal formation and subsequent inflammation.