Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and soft tissues. Hyperuricemia develops when purine metabolism produces excessive uric acid or renal excretion is impaired. Crystals trigger an intense inflammatory response mediated by neutrophils and interleukin-1β, causing acute joint pain, redness, and swelling. The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the great toe (podagra) is classically affected. The nurse monitors pain levels, assists with comfort measures, administers medications as ordered, and reports changes in joint status.