The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a 35-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with gout. Based upon the above results, what should be the nurse's greatest concern? $\begin{array}{|l|l|}
\hline \text { Laboratory tests Serum }& \text { Results } \
\hline \text { Uric Acid } & 7.2 \
\hline \text { WBC } & 12 \times 10^{3} \text { cells } / \mathrm{mm}^{3} \
\hline \text { ESR } & 25 \mathrm{~mm} / \mathrm{hr} \
\hline \text { Creatinine } & 5.4 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL}\
\hline
\end{array}$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The elevated creatinine level indicates that the patient's kidney function is decreased, which is a common complication of gout. The uric acid level is slightly elevated but still within normal range, and the WBC count and ESR indicate the presence of inflammation, which is also typical in gout. However, the most concerning result for the nurse should be the elevated creatinine level, as this indicates potential kidney damage from the gout.

The Nurse Is Reviewing the Laboratory Results for a 35-Year-Old