The nurse examines a client's right great toe. The joint is red, edematous, and very painful with limited range of motion. The client's serum uric acid levels are elevated. Which action should the nurse tell the client to make?

A. Measure urine output. While important for overall health, it is not directly related to managing the acute symptoms of gout. B. Increase intake of red meat. This is contraindicated. Red meat is high in purines, which can exacerbate gout. C. Splint the affected joint. Splinting is not typically necessary or helpful in managing gout symptoms. D. Encourage fluid intake. This is the correct action. Increased fluid intake helps flush out uric acid and prevent kidney stones, which is beneficial in managing gout.