Question

A client who is obese reports severe pain and is unable to bear weight in the right ankle after making dietary changes 3 weeks ago for weight loss. The client's medical history includes hypertension, gouty arthritis, and cholecystitis. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

Answer 1

The severe pain and inability to bear weight in the right ankle after making dietary changes for weight loss in an obese client could be due to a gouty arthritis flare-up. The nurse should inform the client to avoid foods high in purine, as they can increase uric acid levels and trigger gouty arthritis attacks. Foods to avoid include organ meats, seafood, and alcohol.

Step-by-step explanation:

The severe pain and inability to bear weight in the right ankle after making dietary changes for weight loss in an obese client could be due to a gouty arthritis flare-up. Gouty arthritis is a condition characterized by the deposit of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to pain and inflammation. Dietary changes, such as weight loss, can trigger gouty arthritis attacks because rapid weight loss can increase uric acid levels in the blood and trigger crystal formation. The nurse should inform the client to avoid foods high in purine, as they can increase uric acid levels and trigger gouty arthritis attacks. Foods to avoid include organ meats, seafood, and alcohol.