A patient with a history of ulcerative colitis presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, frequent bloody diarrhea, and signs of dehydration. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering during this exacerbation of ulcerative colitis?
Prednisone
Metronidazole
Omeprazole
Loperamide
The Correct Answer is A
A. Prednisone: Prednisone, a corticosteroid, is often used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response during exacerbations of ulcerative colitis. It helps manage the symptoms and prevent further complications.
B. Metronidazole: While used in some gastrointestinal conditions, it is more commonly prescribed for infections related to Crohn’s disease or infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, not for ulcerative colitis exacerbations.
C. Omeprazole: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to reduce stomach acid and is typically indicated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcers, not ulcerative colitis.
D. Loperamide: This antidiarrheal medication should be used with caution in ulcerative colitis, as it can increase the risk of toxic megacolon.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees: While elevating the head of the bed may help ease breathing, it does not address the potential issue of NG tube misplacement.
B. Administer a bronchodilator as prescribed: This would only be appropriate if the patient’s respiratory distress were related to bronchospasm or asthma, not NG tube displacement.
C. Check the placement of the NG tube to ensure it has not dislodged into the lungs. When a patient with an NG tube experiences respiratory distress, the tube may have dislodged and entered the respiratory tract, which could obstruct breathing. Verifying the placement of the NG tube is critical to preventing aspiration or further complications.
D. Increase the flow rate of the patient’s oxygen therapy: This may provide temporary relief but does not resolve the underlying cause of the distress if the NG tube has entered the respiratory tract.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Intestinal obstruction: While peritonitis can lead to intestinal obstruction, it is not the most immediate life-threatening complication compared to hypovolemic shock or sepsis.
B. Hypovolemic shock: This is a critical condition that can occur due to severe fluid loss, which might be a concern in peritonitis due to fluid shifts into the abdominal cavity. However, the patient’s signs of systemic infection (fever, elevated heart rate, low blood pressure) suggest that sepsis is a more imminent threat.
C. Electrolyte imbalance: Electrolyte imbalances are possible due to fluid loss, but they would be secondary to the more urgent concern of hypovolemic shock.
D. Sepsis: Sepsis is the highest priority due to the patient’s vital signs and symptoms indicating a systemic infection. Early recognition and treatment of sepsis are crucial to prevent organ failure and other severe complications.
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