Final answer:
When teaching a patient taking allopurinol for gout, the nurse should include information about how the medication works, the importance of dietary modifications, and the avoidance of purine-rich foods.
Step-by-step explanation:
When teaching a patient who is taking allopurinol for the treatment of gout, the nurse should include the following information:
- Allopurinol is a medication that competitively inhibits xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in the production of uric acid.
- By decreasing the production of uric acid, allopurinol helps to prevent the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints, which is the underlying cause of gout.
- Along with taking allopurinol, the patient should also make dietary modifications to reduce the intake of purine-rich foods, such as tea, coffee, chocolate, and organ meats, as these can contribute to the production of uric acid.