A nurse is caring for a client.
For each assessment finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or Crohn's disease. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.
Steatorrhea
Weight loss
Diarrhea
Fever
Anemia
The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"C"},"B":{"answers":"A,B"},"C":{"answers":"A,B,C"},"D":{"answers":"A,B,C"},"E":{"answers":"A,C"}}
Steatorrhea (Fatty stool) Consistent with Crohn's Disease
Steatorrhea refers to the presence of fat in the stool, which often results in fatty, foul-smelling stools. This is seen in Crohn's disease due to malabsorption in the small intestine (especially in the ileum), where fat is not absorbed properly. Ulcerative colitis typically affects the colon, not the small intestine, and does not usually result in steatorrhea. Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation of diverticula in the colon and is not associated with steatorrhea.
Weight Loss
Consistent with Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease
Weight loss is a common finding in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. In Crohn's disease, weight loss occurs due to malabsorption and inflammatory damage in the gastrointestinal tract. In ulcerative colitis, weight loss can occur during flare-ups due to poor nutrient absorption and inflammation of the colon. Diverticulitis may cause weight loss if it leads to complications like chronic inflammation, but it is not a primary or typical symptom.
Diarrhea
Consistent with Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis and Crohn's Disease
Diarrhea is a hallmark symptom of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In ulcerative colitis, diarrhea is usually accompanied by blood and mucus, as the disease primarily affects the colon. In Crohn’s disease, diarrhea is also common, but it may be more chronic and associated with areas of the GI tract other than the colon, such as the small intestine. Diverticulitis typically presents with abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits- diarrhea in 25% of patients.
Fever
Consistent with Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis, and Crohn's Disease
Fever can be seen in all three conditions, though it is more commonly associated with diverticulitis during an acute infection of the diverticula. Fever in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can occur during active inflammation or flare-ups, especially if there is significant bowel involvement or complications like perforation or abscess. In Crohn's disease, fever is often seen in more severe or complicated disease phases, but it is not always present. Diverticulitis often presents with fever, especially in the case of an infection or abscess formation.
Anemia
Consistent with Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease
Anemia can be seen in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In ulcerative colitis, chronic blood loss due to inflammation and ulceration in the colon can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. In Crohn's disease, anemia can result from chronic inflammation, bleeding, or malabsorption of nutrients (like iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid). Diverticulitis may also cause anemia, particularly if there is significant bleeding, but it is not a hallmark feature like it is in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Sinus arrhythmia is typically not life-threatening and does not require immediate assessment unless other symptoms are present.
B. Epidural analgesia can cause some weakness in the lower extremities, but this is a known side effect and not an emergency.
C. Tachypnea, especially with a new onset in a client with a hip fracture, may indicate complications such as a fat embolism or pulmonary embolism, which require immediate assessment.
D. An HbA1c of 7.2% is slightly above the target but is not an immediate concern compared to other acute symptoms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A small fluid deficit of 30 mL is not concerning unless it worsens or additional symptoms develop.
B. Decreased appetite and irritability can be expected with gastroenteritis and may not require immediate intervention.
C. A mild fever and increased pulse rate can be expected, but if these values remain stable and other signs of dehydration or worsening illness are absent, they do not require immediate intervention.
D. Sunken fontanels and dry mucous membranes are signs of dehydration and should be reported to the provider immediately.
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