The nurse determines that colchicine has been effective for a ...

[naturalchemist]

The nurse determines that colchicine has been effective for a patient with an acute attack of gout upon finding
 
  a. relief of joint pain.
  b. increased urine output.
  c. elevated serum uric acid.
  d. increased white blood cells (WBC).

Question 2

A 29-year-old patient reporting painful urination and knee pain is diagnosed with reactive arthritis. The nurse will plan to teach the patient about the need for several months of therapy with
 
  a. anakinra (Kineret).
  b. etanercept (Enbrel).
  c. doxycycline (Vibramycin).
  d. methotrexate (Rheumatrex).

[Mholman93]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Colchicine produces pain relief in 24 to 48 hours by decreasing inflammation. The recommended increase in fluid intake of 2 to 3 L/day would increase urine output but would not indicate the effectiveness of colchicine. Elevated uric acid levels would result in increased symptoms. The WBC count might decrease with decreased inflammation, but would not increase.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Reactive arthritis associated with urethritis is usually caused by infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and requires 3 months of treatment with doxycycline. The other medications are used for chronic inflammatory problems such as rheumatoid arthritis.

[naturalchemist]

Excellent

[mcarey591]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it