Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 90%
Simulated
Allopurinol has been prescribed for a client to treat gouty arthritis. The nurse teaches the client to anticipate which prescription if an acute attack occurs?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Allopurinol helps prevent an attack of gouty arthritis, but it does not relieve the pain. Therefore, another medication such as colchicine or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug must be added if an acute attack occurs. Because acute attacks may occur more frequently early during the course of therapy with allopurinol, some health care providers recommend taking the two products concurrently during the first 3 to 6 months.