A patient has been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) for several years. Which assessment finding would alert the nurse of a potential complication from UC?

A. Tetany of the hands with a positive Chvostek sign: Tetany and a positive Chvostek sign are more associated with hypocalcemia rather than Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

B. Polyuria, sweating, and dry mucous membranes: These symptoms are more indicative of hyperthyroidism or diabetes rather than hypothyroidism, which is characteristic of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

C. Forgetfulness, depression, and anemia: Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which causes hypothyroidism, can lead to symptoms like forgetfulness, depression, and anemia due to reduced thyroid hormone levels.

D. Nervousness, irritability, and diarrhea: These symptoms are associated with hyperthyroidism rather than hypothyroidism.

A. Diminished serum albumin levels cause water to shift from blood to tissue: In cirrhosis, liver dysfunction leads to decreased production of albumin, a protein that helps maintain oncotic pressure. Low albumin levels cause fluid to shift from the vascular space into the tissues, resulting in ascites and peripheral edema.

B. Portal hypotension causes a fluid shift from the abdominal cavity into the portal veins: Portal hypertension, not hypotension, is a common feature of cirrhosis, but it leads to ascites by increasing pressure in the portal venous system, not by shifting fluid into the portal veins.

C. Hypoaldosteronism causes a fluid volume deficit: shifting water from blood into tissue: Cirrhosis often leads to hyperaldosteronism, not hypoaldosteronism, resulting in sodium and water retention, which contributes to edema.

D. Aberrations of the portal system cause a back-up of blood that leads to hydronephrosis: Hydronephrosis is related to obstruction of the urinary tract, not a complication of portal hypertension or cirrhosis.