Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 73%
Simulated
A client develops an inflamed, very painful right great toe overnight and the physician diagnoses gout. Treatment with colchicine is begun at 0.6 mg PO every two hours. For which side effect of this drug should the nurse assess?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Cold, pale feet are not a typical side effect of colchicine. Diarrhea is a well-known side effect of colchicine, commonly used to treat acute gout flares. The nurse should monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms. Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) is not associated with colchicine. Rash is not a common side effect of colchicine but can occur. The nurse should primarily monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea.