Gout. Epidemiology of gout

Gout is the most prevalent form of inflammatory arthropathy. Several studies suggest that its prevalence and incidence have risen in recent decades. Numerous risk factors for the development of gout have been established, including hyperuricaemia, genetic factors, dietary factors, alcohol consumption, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, obesity, diuretic use and chronic renal disease. Osteoarthritis predisposes to local crystal deposition. Gout appears to be an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, additional to the risk conferred by its association with traditional cardiovascular risk factors

Whistle-blowing: Effective and ineffective coping responses

How do nurses respond when they identify misconduct in patient care settings? The authors used a descriptive survey (N=95) to identify effective coping strategies of whistle-blowers (n=70) and non-whistle-blowers (n=25). Results identified four effective coping strategies used by whistle-blowers. The authors offer recommendations to nurses who encounter misconduct in their workplace