Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s progress.
Explanation & Rationale
The client reports joint pain in the knee and wrist with a history of gout in the family. The elevated uric acid level (7.2 mg/dL) supports a diagnosis of gout, a condition caused by uric acid crystal deposition in the joints. The negative ANA and normal ESR make inflammatory autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus unlikely. Actions to Take: Instruct the client to avoid foods high in purines. Purine-rich foods (e.g., red meat, shellfish, organ meats) contribute to increased uric acid production, exacerbating gout symptoms. Dietary modifications can help reduce flare-ups and long-term complications. Instruct the client to apply topical analgesics. Topical analgesics can provide localized pain relief and reduce discomfort in affected joints. They serve as an adjunct to systemic medications in managing acute symptoms. Parameters to Monitor: Uric acid levels. Monitoring uric acid levels helps assess the effectiveness of dietary changes and medications in preventing flare-ups and reducing joint damage. Joint deformities. Chronic gout can lead to joint destruction and tophi formation, so assessing for deformities helps track disease progression and the need for further interventions.