Final answer:
The nurse should advise the gout patient to maintain their allopurinol regimen, avoid high-purine foods, rest and ice the joint, and be aware of signs needing further medical attention. Gout pain is caused by uric acid crystals accumulating in the joints.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the nurse's discharge teaching for a patient who has reported a fall with subsequent swelling and extreme pain in the left knee and has a controlled case of gouty arthritis with allopurinol. Considering the symptoms and history of gouty arthritis, the nurse's discharge instructions should focus on managing acute gout attacks and preventing future occurrences.
The nurse should advise the patient to continue taking allopurinol as prescribed to manage uric acid levels, avoid foods high in purines which can exacerbate gout, and encourage the patient to rest the affected joint and apply ice to reduce swelling. In addition, the nurse should educate the patient on the signs of a worsening condition that would require medical attention.
As for the cause of gout pain, the correct answer to the multiple-choice question provided is b. Uric acid crystals build up in the joints, resulting in painful body movements. Gout pain arises due to the inflammation caused by these crystals within the joints.