Question

A nurse is teaching a client who is taking allopurinol about minimizing adverse effects. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

1) Avoid alcohol consumption while taking allopurinol
2) Increase the intake of foods high in purines
3) Stop taking allopurinol if experiencing any side effects
4) Take allopurinol on an empty stomach

Answer 1

A nurse should advise a client on allopurinol to avoid alcohol, decrease the intake of high-purine foods, consult a healthcare provider before stopping the medication, and note that the medication can be taken with or without food.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should advise the client taking allopurinol to minimize adverse effects with the following instructions:

1. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking allopurinol to prevent interactions with alcohol dehydrogenase that could lead to the accumulation of toxic metabolites.
2. Decrease the intake of foods high in purines, as they can exacerbate the accumulation of uric acid, which allopurinol aims to prevent.
3. Consult a healthcare provider before stopping allopurinol if experiencing side effects, as abrupt discontinuation without professional guidance can be harmful.
4. It is not required to take allopurinol on an empty stomach; it can be taken with or without food to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.

Among these options, the client should particularly avoid increasing the intake of foods high in purines, as purines can lead to an increased level of uric acid in the body. A diet low in purine-rich foods, such as avoiding tea, coffee, and chocolate, can help reduce the risk of gout, which is a condition associated with an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints.