NursingSprint

✔️ Mechanism of Action:

Allopurinol works by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which reduces the production of uric acid in the body. A decreased uric acid level indicates the medication is effectively lowering uric acid, which is the goal in treating conditions like gout and hyperuricemia.

✔️ Clinical Purpose:

By reducing uric acid levels, allopurinol helps prevent gout attacks, kidney stones, and other complications related to hyperuricemia, which can cause joint pain and inflammation.

✔️ Laboratory Indicator:

The most direct marker of allopurinol's effectiveness is a decrease in serum uric acid levels, as this confirms that the drug is achieving its intended therapeutic effect.

Educational Insight:

According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), reducing serum uric acid levels to below 6 mg/dL is the primary treatment goal for patients with gout on allopurinol.

Incorrect Options:

"A. Decreased triglycerides"

Allopurinol does not affect triglyceride levels directly. This would not be a relevant marker for assessing the effectiveness of allopurinol.

"C. Increased albumin"

Albumin levels are primarily associated with liver function and protein status rather than being an indicator of allopurinol's effectiveness in reducing uric acid.

"D. Increased potassium"

Increased potassium is not related to allopurinol use. Potassium levels may change due to renal issues or other medications, but not due to allopurinol.