Gout is diagnosed in a patient, and tests show the cause to be an ...

[Mimi]

Gout is diagnosed in a patient, and tests show the cause to be an underexcretion of uric acid. The primary care NP should prescribe:
 
  a. febuxostat (Uloric).
  b. colchicine (Colcrys).
  c. allopurinol (Zyloprim).
  d. probenecid (Benemid).

Question 2

A patient comes to the clinic reporting sudden pain and swelling of one knee joint. The primary care NP suspects gout. When preparing to order diagnostic tests, the most important initial test the primary care NP should order is:
 
  a. renal function tests.
  b. serum uric acid levels.
  c. 24-hour urine collection.
  d. synovial fluid aspirate for Gram stain and culture.

[ynlevi]

Answer to Question 1

D
A uricosuric agent is indicated to increase the excretion of uric acid. Probenecid is a uricosuric medication. Febuxostat and allopurinol are xanthine oxidase inhibitors. Colchicine is not a uricosuric agent.

Answer to Question 2

D
Although the other tests are part of the diagnostic process, the most important differential diagnosis to be made in a patient with gout is the exclusion of a septic joint.

[Mimi]

Excellent

[ryhom]

Great answer, keep it coming