adult 1_ self-study module - Sheet1 Flashcards
What causes gout?
The kidneys cannot excrete enough or produce too much uric acid, leading to crystal deposits in joints that trigger inflammation.
How long do gout attacks typically last?
2-10 days
What is primary hyperuricemia?
A genetic lack of uricase prevents the breakdown of uric acid, leading to accumulation.
What is secondary hyperuricemia?
Conditions or drugs that either increase uric acid production or decrease its excretion.
What joints are commonly affected by gout?
The great toe, wrists, knees, ankles, and midfoot.
What are the signs and symptoms of acute gout?
Sudden onset at night, severe swelling and pain, sensitivity to touch, low-grade fever.
What are the signs and symptoms of chronic gout?
Multiple joint involvement, tophi (hard white nodules), joint deformities.
Why is kidney stone formation a concern in gout?
Increased uric acid can lead to stone formation in the kidney or urinary tract.
What lifestyle changes help prevent gout attacks?
Restrict alcohol, avoid foods high in purines, weight loss for obese patients, avoid fasting, and manage medication properly.
What nursing interventions help during a gout attack?
Educate on medication use, immobilize inflamed joints with bed rest or cradles, and assess motion limitations and pain levels.
What is a common procedure to relieve pain in swollen gouty joints?
Synovial fluid aspiration.
What medications are commonly prescribed for gout?
Oral colchicine and NSAIDs for inflammation and pain.
What drug is the first-choice treatment for gout?
Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that decreases uric acid production.
What are the diagnostic tests for gout?
High serum uric acid level, 24-hour urine uric acid collection, synovial fluid aspiration with urate crystals, and X-ray showing eroded bone (tophi).
What is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
A multisystem inflammatory autoimmune disease caused by genetic, hormonal, environmental, and immune factors, leading to tissue destruction.
What are common symptoms of SLE?
Fever, weight loss, joint pain, fatigue, and increased risk for infections like pneumonia.
What are common skin symptoms of SLE?
Vascular skin lesions, alopecia, erythema, and a butterfly rash over the nose and cheeks.
What are the musculoskeletal effects of SLE?
Arthritis, swelling, stiffness, and an increased risk for bone loss or fractures.
How does SLE affect the cardiopulmonary system?
Tachypnea, cough, dysrhythmias due to fibrosis, pericarditis, myocarditis, endocarditis, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia due to steroid use, and increased clot risk (stroke, gangrene, MI).
What are the renal complications of SLE?
Proteinuria, nephropathy, scarring, and possible progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
How does SLE affect the nervous system?
Headaches, psychosis, anxiety, depression, acute confusion, and cognitive problems.
What are the hematologic complications of SLE?
Anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and coagulation disorders.
What nursing interventions are important for SLE?
Assess fever, inflammation, ROM, and fatigue, monitor I&O and daily weight, collect 24-hour urine samples, educate on sun exposure reduction, proper medication use, signs of infection, and energy-conserving techniques.
What dietary recommendations should be given to SLE patients?
Eat small, frequent meals with low sodium.
