Page 2154 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

oral hypoglycemic agents
b. Instruct the client not to take large
doses of vitamin C while taking
allopurinol, because kidney stones
may occur.
c. Hypersensitivity syndrome (rare) can
occur, characterized by rash, fever,
eosinophilia, and liver and kidney
alterations (medication is withheld and
the PHCP is notified).
d. Advise the client to minimize

exposure to sunlight and have an
annual eye examination, because
visual changes can occur from
prolonged use of allopurinol.
2. Colchicine
a. Used with caution in older clients,
debilitated clients, and clients with
cardiac, renal, and/or gastrointestinal
disease.

b. If gastrointestinal symptoms

occur (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and
abdominal pain), the medication is
withheld and the PHCP is notified.
3. Probenecid
a. Mild gastrointestinal effects can occur
and can be reduced by taking the
medication with food.
b. Aspirin and other salicylates interfere
with the uricosuric action of the
medication.

The concurrent use of antigout

medications and aspirin causes elevated uric acid
levels; the client should be instructed to take
acetaminophen if prescribed rather than aspirin.
III. Antiarthritic Medications (Box 61-2)
A. Description (Fig. 61-1)
1. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs as inflammation
progresses into the synovia, cartilage, and bone; if this
inflammation is not controlled, it will lead to joint
destruction, thus affecting client mobility and
comfort.
2. The focus of treatment is early diagnosis and

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