Deck 65: Hyperuricaemia and Gout

Question 1

Which of the following statements about uric acid is true?

A) It is a product of pyrimidine-based nucleic acid metabolism.
B) It tends to crystallise at relatively low physiological temperatures.
C) Hyperuricaemia always results in gout.
D) Uric acid is very water-soluble in kidney filtrate.

Answer 1

It tends to crystallise at relatively low physiological temperatures.

Question 2

Which of the following tests is undertaken before using colchicine for gout prophylaxis?

A) A complete blood count
B) A liver function test
C) An electrocardiogram
D) An exercise tolerance test

Answer 2

A complete blood count

Question 3

When commencing a uricosuric agent such as probenecid,the person should be advised to:

A) cease all other medications to reduce drug interactions.
B) ensure adequate fluid intake to reduce kidney stone formation.
C) avoid direct sunlight.
D) avoid urine alkalising preparations.

Answer 3

ensure adequate fluid intake to reduce kidney stone formation.

Question 4

A characteristic of gout is that:

A) it manifests as a form of arthritis.
B) it is more prevalent in women.
C) the risk of developing it can be reduced by eating foods such as sardines or offal.
D) it is not associated with any genetic predisposition.

Question 5

To minimise the increased incidence of acute gouty attacks at the start of allopurinol treatment,________ should be given concurrently for the first two months of treatment.

A) colchicine or an NSAID
B) probenecid
C) an intra-articular injection of methylprednisolone
D) a urinary alkaliser such as sodium bicarbonate

Question 6

Prior to commencing probenecid for gout,it is important to inform the person that:

A) probenecid is inactivated by pigments in red food colouring, so they must abstain from foods containing red dye three days prior to commencement of therapy and throughout the course of therapy.
B) probenecid is likely to cause constipation.
C) ceasing oral analgesics is the best way to gauge the effect of a course of probenecid.
D) probenecid is a preventive treatment and should not be commenced while they have acute symptoms of gout.

Question 7

Colchicine has NSAID properties,but also has specific mechanisms including ________ to treat gout.

A) stimulating prostaglandin synthesis and secretion
B) disruption of leukocyte microtubule function, which inhibits cell migration to the site of inflammation
C) activation of xanthine oxidase
D) creating more acidic urine, which increases excretion of uric acid

Question 8

Which one of the following drugs or drug groups acts to increase the excretion of uric acid?

A) The corticosteroids
B) Colchicine
C) Probenecid
D) Allopurinol