Normal uric acid levels are:

Appeared in: HP CHO -9 October 2022

Explanation

The correct option represents the generally accepted normal range for serum uric acid in adults.
Medical literature indicates that normal values differ slightly between sexes: approximately 3.4–7.0 mg/dL for males and 2.4–6.0 mg/dL for females.
The range of 3-6 mg/dL is the most accurate and inclusive choice among the given options, covering the typical physiological levels for most adults.

Option A: This range signifies hypouricemia (abnormally low uric acid), which is a clinically significant finding but not the normal level.
Option B: This range is at the lower limit of the normal spectrum, particularly for males, and does not represent the full, typical range.
Option D: This range indicates severe hyperuricemia (abnormally high uric acid), which is a pathological state associated with significant health risks.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Normal laboratory values for serum uric acid as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Monitoring uric acid is crucial for diagnosing and managing gout. The therapeutic goal is often to lower serum urate to less than 6 mg/dL to prevent crystal deposition.
Nurses play a key role in educating patients with hyperuricemia on lifestyle modifications, including adhering to a low-purine diet (limiting red meat, organ meats, certain seafood) and avoiding alcohol.
What if? A patient with leukemia begins chemotherapy and their uric acid jumps to 12 mg/dL. This signals potential tumor lysis syndrome. The nurse's priority action is to increase IV hydration, administer prescribed allopurinol or rasburicase, and closely monitor renal function and urine output to prevent acute kidney injury.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of standard laboratory values.
First, identify the specific lab value in question: serum uric acid.
Recall the normal range. Remember that many lab values have different normal ranges for males and females, and the question asks for a general range.
Analyze the given options and compare each range to the standard value you recall.
Eliminate the options that are clearly too low (hypouricemia) or too high (hyperuricemia).
Select the option that best encapsulates the typical, accepted range for the general adult population.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QJnZEUqAheUgJdK9XveYt

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 849-851

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-239 of 478) p. 222-224

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 991-993

Practise the full HP CHO -9 October 2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.