A patient with chronic gout is prescribed allopurinol. Which statement by the patient indicates a correct understanding of the medication's purpose?

A. "Allopurinol helps to lower uric acid levels and prevent future gout attacks." Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that decreases uric acid production, helping to prevent future gout attacks rather than treating acute flares.

B. “I should take allopurinol during an acute gout attack to relieve pain immediately." Allopurinol is not used for acute gout attacks because it does not have immediate pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, starting or increasing allopurinol during an acute attack may worsen symptoms.

C. “I should avoid drinking water while taking allopurinol to prevent kidney stones." Adequate hydration is essential while taking allopurinol to prevent uric acid kidney stones and to help eliminate excess uric acid from the body.

D. "Allopurinol works by reducing inflammation in my joints during a flare-up." Allopurinol does not have anti-inflammatory properties. It lowers uric acid levels over time, reducing the risk of future gout attacks but not treating acute inflammation.

A. Remove clothing and jewelry but avoid peeling off adhered skin. While removing clothing and jewelry is necessary to prevent further tissue damage and swelling, it is not the highest priority in the initial assessment. Airway assessment must come first.

B. Establish IV access and initiate fluid resuscitation. Fluid resuscitation is crucial to prevent hypovolemic shock, but airway assessment and management take priority, especially in burns affecting the face, neck, and upper chest.

C. Prepare for wound care and wound debridement. Wound care is important but is not the first priority in emergency management. The airway must be secured first before addressing other concerns.

D. Assess for smoke inhalation injury and airway swelling. The greatest risk in burn patients, especially those with burns to the face, neck, or chest, is airway compromise due to inhalation injury or swelling. Airway assessment and securing the airway take priority before fluid resuscitation or wound care.