What laboratory value is expected for a client diagnosed with gout?

A uric acid level of 9.0 mg/dL is reflective of the metabolic disorder known as gout, which is characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. Normally, a uric acid level above 6.8 mg/dL is considered hyperuricemia, and levels of 7.0 mg/dL or higher can lead to the precipitation of uric acid crystals in the joints, resulting in the painful inflammatory condition known as gout.

In clinical practice, a uric acid level of 9.0 mg/dL indicates a significant increase beyond the normal threshold, which can contribute to the development of gout flare-ups. This understanding is crucial as managing uric acid levels is a key aspect of treating and preventing gout attacks.

Other values listed, such as 7.0 mg/dL or 6.5 mg/dL, may be at or just below the upper limit of normal and are less indicative of a definitive gout diagnosis. A level of 11.0 mg/dL indicates severe hyperuricemia, which may also be associated with gout, but 9.0 mg/dL is a more characteristic representation of typical gout presentations.