A patient with a history of ulcerative colitis presents to the clinic with complaints of fatigue, dizziness, and pallor. Upon further assessment, you suspect chronic blood loss. Which potential complication is most likely contributing to these symptoms?
Dehydration
Hyperkalemia
Iron-deficiency anemia
Electrolyte imbalance
The Correct Answer is C
A. Dehydration: While dehydration is a possible complication in ulcerative colitis, it does not explain the symptoms of fatigue and pallor.
B. Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with chronic blood loss and would present with symptoms like muscle weakness or arrhythmias.
C. Iron-deficiency anemia: Chronic blood loss from frequent diarrhea and ulceration of the colon in ulcerative colitis can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, causing symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and pallor.
D. Electrolyte imbalance: While electrolyte imbalances may occur with ulcerative colitis, they do not directly cause fatigue, dizziness, and pallor related to chronic blood loss.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Atorvastatin: Atorvastatin is a statin used to manage cholesterol levels. It is generally safe for use in patients with CKD.
B. Losartan: Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to manage hypertension and protect the kidneys in diabetic nephropathy. It can be beneficial in CKD patients.
C. Vancomycin: Vancomycin is an antibiotic known to be nephrotoxic, especially in patients with compromised kidney function. It should be used with caution or avoided in patients with CKD.
D. Aspirin: While aspirin can have adverse effects on the kidneys at high doses, its nephrotoxic potential is lower than that of vancomycin. In low doses, aspirin is commonly used for cardiovascular protection, even in patients with CKD.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Administer IV fluids: The patient is hypotensive (blood pressure 88/54 mmHg) and tachycardic (heart rate 115 bpm), indicating possible hypovolemic shock due to blood loss. Administering IV fluids will help to stabilize blood pressure.
B. Prepare for possible blood transfusion: The patient's hemoglobin level is critically low (6.5 g/dL), indicating significant blood loss and severe anemia. Preparing for a blood transfusion is crucial to correct the anemia.
C. Monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit levels: Continuous monitoring of hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is vital to assess the severity of the patient's anemia and response to treatment, guiding further interventions.
D. Administer a proton pump inhibitor (PPI): PPIs can help reduce gastric acid secretion, which may help control bleeding from peptic ulcers, a common cause of upper GI bleeding.
E. Administer oral iron supplements to address anemia: Oral iron supplements are typically used for long-term management of iron deficiency anemia but are not effective for immediate correction of severe anemia, particularly in an acute setting with ongoing blood loss.
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