A 40-year-old male presents with acute onset of right great toe pain, swelling, and redness. He denies trauma. He has a history of hypertension controlled with hydrochlorothiazide. Physical exam reveals a warm, tender, erythematous right first metatarsophalangeal joint. Serum uric acid is elevated. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment for his acute gout flare?
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
For an acute gout flare, treatment aims to reduce inflammation. Colchicine, NSAIDs (if not contraindicated), or corticosteroids are appropriate initial choices. Allopurinol, probenecid, and febuxostat are uric acid-lowering therapies used for long-term management and are typically not started during an acute flare.
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This 2-level USMLE Exam Prep question from the Step 3 – Clinical Management topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.
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