A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client who reports pruritus and reddened, oozing lesions on her lower leg.
The nurse should suspect which of the following disorders?

Choice A rationale

Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are classified as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This means that both conditions involve chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, although the specific areas affected and the patterns of inflammation differ between the two diseases.

Choice B rationale

Ulcerative colitis typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a continuous manner through the colon. Crohn's disease, however, can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, and often presents with patchy, discontinuous areas of inflammation.

Choice C rationale

Fistula formation, an abnormal connection between two body parts, is a common complication of Crohn's disease due to its transmural (full-thickness) inflammation of the bowel wall. While less common, fistulas can occur in ulcerative colitis in severe cases, but it is not a typical manifestation.

Choice D rationale

While surgery may be necessary for managing both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in cases of severe symptoms or complications, it is generally considered a more definitive treatment for ulcerative colitis, often involving a colectomy (removal of the colon). Crohn's disease often recurs after surgery, making it a less frequent primary treatment.

Choice A rationale

Glaucoma is characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure. Without proper management to lower this pressure, the damage to the optic nerve progresses, leading to irreversible vision loss and eventually blindness.

Choice B rationale

The primary goal of glaucoma treatment with eye drops is to lower intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve, thereby preserving existing vision. Eye drops do not typically improve vision that has already been lost due to glaucoma.

Choice C rationale

Glaucoma is usually associated with impaired drainage or overproduction of aqueous humor, leading to increased intraocular pressure, not inadequate production of fluid. This elevated pressure is the primary risk factor for optic nerve damage.

Choice D rationale

Double vision (diplopia) is not a common or characteristic symptom of glaucoma. While various eye conditions can cause double vision, glaucoma primarily affects peripheral vision and visual acuity without causing diplopia. .