Question

A patient with gout who has increasingly frequent acute gouty attacks will begin receiving allopurinol [Zyloprim] and colchicine. The nurse will include which statement when teaching the patient about this drug regimen?A) "Allopurinol helps reduce the gastrointestinal side effects of colchicine."

B) "Allopurinol reduces the likelihood of gouty episodes that usually occur with initial colchicine therapy."
C) "The colchicine is given to enhance the effects of the allopurinol."
D) "You will take both drugs initially and then stop taking the colchicine."

Answer 1

Patients beginning a regimen of allopurinol and colchicine for gout treatment are advised to take both drugs initially, then eventually stop taking colchicine as allopurinol controls uric acid production long-term and colchicine is used only for acute inflammation management. Therefore, correct answer is option D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement to include when teaching a patient about the drug regimen of allopurinol and colchicine for gout treatment is, "You will take both drugs initially and then stop taking the colchicine."

This is because allopurinol serves to reduce the production of uric acid by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase, thus decreasing the likelihood of gout episodes over the long term.

Colchicine, on the other hand, is used to decrease inflammation by inhibiting mitosis, which helps manage acute gouty attacks.

It is, however, not typically used as a long-term treatment due to potential side effects like a decreased white blood count.

Patients should avoid consumption of certain foods and beverages with purine-like compounds such as tea, coffee, and chocolate, as these can exacerbate gout symptoms by increasing uric acid levels.

Answer 2

D) "You will take both drugs initially and then stop taking the colchicine."

Step-by-step explanation:

Gout is described or known to be a form of arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream. It is known to be most classically affects the joint in the base of the big toe.

It should be understood that some of the symptoms of the acute gout attacks are characterized by a rapid onset of pain in the affected joint followed by warmth, swelling, reddish discoloration, and marked tenderness.

The prescription of a low daily dose of colchicine will prevent future attacks. And Allopurinol reduces the production of uric acid in your body.

In this case, the nurse will will tell the patient to take both drugs for sometimes, and then stop taking colchicine. This is because the continuous use of Allopurinol will reduce the accumulation of excess uric acid in the body.