Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What are the complications of untreated gout?

1. Loss of joint mobility and renal failure

2. Loss of joint mobility and liver failure

3. An increased risk of urinary tract infections

4. Bladder cancer

The correct answer is: Loss of joint mobility and renal failure

Untreated gout can lead to several significant complications, with loss of joint mobility and renal failure being two of the most serious. Gout is characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and surrounding tissues due to hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid levels). Over time, the repeated inflammatory episodes can cause chronic joint damage, leading to loss of joint mobility. This is because the ongoing inflammation can result in changes to the joint structure, such as erosion of cartilage and bone. Additionally, untreated gout can lead to renal complications, primarily through the development of urate nephropathy. This occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the kidney, potentially leading to inflammation and impaired renal function. In severe cases, this can progress to renal failure, necessitating dialysis or renal transplantation in extreme instances. While the other choices mention complications such as liver failure, urinary tract infections, or bladder cancer, these are not direct complications of untreated gout. Liver failure is unrelated to gout specifically, urinary tract infections are not a major concern associated with gout, and bladder cancer does not have a recognized correlation with the condition. Therefore, the combination of loss of joint mobility and renal failure accurately reflects the serious consequences of untreated gout.