Which dietary recommendations would the nurse encourage for a client who has just been diagnosed with gout?
1. Increase protein
2. Increase intake fluids to 3000 ml daily
3. Avoid foods containing chocolate
4. Avoid eating cranberries and prunes
Answer: 2
The client should increase the intake of fluids to promote excretion of uric acid. Some physicians prescribe a low-purine diet to decrease formation of uric acid crystals. Chocolate, cranberries, and prunes do not have any effect on the gout. (Ignatavicius, Workman, 7 ed., p. 350.)