A patient comes into the clinic complaining of swelling, heat, ...

[bobthebuilder]

A patient comes into the clinic complaining of swelling, heat, and severe pain in the right great toe. Which laboratory value is most likely to be elevated?
 
  a. Calcium
  b. Potassium
  c. Uric acid
  d. Glucose

Question 2

One of the nurse's older adult patients is abusing laxatives. Which would be an appropriate intervention for this patient to help reduce this chronic laxative use and dependency?
 
  a. Advise the patient to take a laxative once weekly.
  b. Stop the patient from taking any laxatives.
  c. Have the patient take an enema instead of a laxative.
  d. Have the patient drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.

[batool]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
High serum uric acid levels lead to the formation of uric acid crystals, usually in the kidneys and joint spaces. These crystals are long and jagged and cause the swelling, inflammation, and severe pain of gout.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Older adult patients should be taught nondrug measures to prevent constipation, such as increasing fluid intake to 6 to 8 glasses of water a day if permitted and tolerated.

[bobthebuilder]

Excellent

[covalentbond]

Gracias!