A nurse is completing a focused assessment addressing a client's immune function. What should the nurse prioritize in the physical assessment?

Choice A rationale:
A high-purine diet is actually contraindicated in gout because purines are metabolized into uric acid, which can accumulate in the joints and trigger gout attacks. Therefore, a low-purine diet is recommended.

Choice B rationale:
Aspirin is not typically recommended for gout because it can interfere with the excretion of uric acid and potentially worsen the condition. While low-dose aspirin might be used for specific cardiovascular benefits in some gout patients, it's not a general treatment for gout itself.

Choice C rationale:Alcohol intake is a common trigger for gout attacks because it can increase uric acid levels in the blood. Therefore, limiting alcohol intake is an important part of managing gout.

Choice D rationale:
Fluid intake should be increased, not limited, in gout patients. This is because adequate hydration helps to flush uric acid out of the body and reduce the risk of gout attacks.

Choice A rationale:
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that play a crucial role in the immune system. They filter lymph fluid, which carries white blood cells and other immune cells throughout the body.
When the body is fighting an infection or other immune challenge, lymph nodes often swell and become tender. This is because they are actively working to filter out pathogens and activate immune cells.
Palpation of the lymph nodes can provide valuable information about the patient's immune function. The nurse can assess for enlargement, tenderness, and mobility of the lymph nodes.
Lymph node assessment is a non-invasive, painless procedure that can be performed quickly and easily.
Choice B rationale:
Auscultation of the apical heart rate is important for assessing cardiovascular function, but it does not directly assess immune function.
While heart rate can be indirectly affected by certain immune conditions (e.g., fever), it is not a primary indicator of immune system activity.
Choice C rationale:
Palpation of the liver can provide information about liver size and consistency, but it does not directly assess immune function.
The liver plays a role in immune function by producing proteins that help fight infection, but its size and consistency do not necessarily reflect its immune activity.
Choice D rationale:
Percussion of the abdomen can be used to assess the size and location of abdominal organs, but it does not directly assess immune function.
While certain immune conditions may involve abdominal organs (e.g., splenomegaly), percussion is not a primary method for assessing immune function.