Question

The nurse should instruct the client that the prolonged use of allopurinol can cause?

Option 1:
a) Hypertension

Option 2:
b) Bone marrow suppression

Option 3:
c) Hepatotoxicity

Option 4:
d) Renal impairment

Answer 1

The prolonged use of allopurinol can cause bone marrow suppression, which may result in conditions like anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should instruct the client that prolonged use of allopurinol can cause bone marrow suppression. Allopurinol is commonly used in the management of gout, a condition where uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints. It works as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which converts hypoxanthine to uric acid, thus reducing uric acid levels in the body. While it can be effective in preventing gout flare-ups, long-term use of allopurinol has been associated with effects such as bone marrow suppression, which can lead to conditions like anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia. Hence, regular monitoring of blood counts is recommended in patients receiving this medication.