Question

A client with gout has been treated with prednisone with no improvement. The healthcare provider prescribes colchicine. Which teaching plan will the nurse include for a client prescribed colchicine? A. Teach the client to take the pill after meals B. Restrict fluids to one liter a day C. Avoid the use of aspirin when taking this drug D. Explain how the drug prevents uric acid formation

Short answer

Answer: The proper teaching plan for a client prescribed colchicine for the treatment of gout includes teaching the client to take the pill after meals and avoid the use of aspirin when taking the drug.

Step-by-step solution

Define colchicine and its purpose for treating gout

Colchicine is a medication prescribed for the treatment of gout, which is an inflammatory condition caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in joints and tissues. It works by decreasing inflammation and easing pain during a gout attack. The student must be familiar with the properties of colchicine to understand the proper teaching plan for a client prescribed with it.

Analyze each option

Now, let's examine each choice and determine the correct teaching plan for the client prescribed colchicine: A. Teach the client to take the pill after meals: Taking colchicine after meals may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects, as the medication can cause stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea in some people. This option is therefore correct. B. Restrict fluids to one liter a day: It is not advisable to restrict fluid intake to one liter per day when taking colchicine. On the contrary, it is essential for people with gout to maintain adequate hydration to help flush out excess uric acid from the body. This option is incorrect. C. Avoid the use of aspirin when taking this drug: Aspirin can increase uric acid levels, worsening gout symptoms and potentially counteracting the effects of colchicine. Additionally, aspirin can increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects when taken with colchicine. The client should therefore avoid using aspirin while taking this medication, making this choice correct. D. Explain how the drug prevents uric acid formation: Colchicine does not prevent uric acid formation. Instead, it works by reducing inflammation caused by uric acid deposition in joints and tissues. This option is incorrect.

Identify the correct answer

After analyzing each option, it is clear that both options A and C are correct teaching plans for a client prescribed colchicine. The nurse should teach the client to take the pill after meals and avoid the use of aspirin when taking the drug.