A client taking colchicine for gout shows improvement if which symptom decreases?

A client taking colchicine for gout shows improvement if which symptom decreases?

• A. Joint inflammation
• B. Renal function
• C. Mood stability
• D. Nausea

Answer: (A)

Colchicine treats acute gout by dampening the inflammatory response to urate crystals in the joint. It works by inhibiting microtubule formation in neutrophils, which reduces their migration to the inflamed joint and the release of inflammatory mediators. As a result, the sign that indicates improvement is a decrease in joint inflammation—less swelling, redness, warmth, and pain, allowing easier movement of the affected joint. Renal function and mood stability aren’t direct targets of colchicine, and while nausea can occur as a side effect, it doesn’t reflect the gout’s response to therapy. So the key change to look for is reduced joint inflammation.

Colchicine treats acute gout by dampening the inflammatory response to urate crystals in the joint. It works by inhibiting microtubule formation in neutrophils, which reduces their migration to the inflamed joint and the release of inflammatory mediators. As a result, the sign that indicates improvement is a decrease in joint inflammation—less swelling, redness, warmth, and pain, allowing easier movement of the affected joint. Renal function and mood stability aren’t direct targets of colchicine, and while nausea can occur as a side effect, it doesn’t reflect the gout’s response to therapy. So the key change to look for is reduced joint inflammation.