Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 93%
Practice
The nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a patient with an acute attack of gout. Which laboratory value should the nurse expect to be increased?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
In a patient with an acute attack of gout, the nurse should expect the uric acid level to be increased. Gout occurs due to the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. Monitoring the uric acid level is important in diagnosing and managing gout, as elevated levels indicate an increased risk of crystal formation and gout attacks. Therefore, an increased uric acid level is a key laboratory finding in patients experiencing gout flares.