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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Flush the T-tube with sterile water every 6 hours to maintain patency: T-tubes are generally not flushed unless prescribed by a healthcare provider because flushing can introduce bacteria and cause complications. Patency is typically maintained by gravity drainage alone.
B. Clamp the T-tube for 12 hours each day to reduce bile flow: Clamping the T-tube is not routinely recommended for such long periods unless directed by the healthcare provider. Clamping is usually done gradually, often for 1-2 hours, to assess the patient’s ability to tolerate bile drainage naturally before tube removal.
C. Secure the T-tube to the patient's gown to prevent accidental dislodgement: While securing the T-tube prevents accidental dislodgement, the tube should be taped to the skin rather than the gown, as attaching it to clothing can increase the risk of unintentional dislodgement with movement.
D. Maintain the drainage bag below the level of the abdomen to promote gravity drainage. This is the correct answer because positioning the drainage bag below the abdomen allows for gravity to assist in the flow of bile from the bile duct, preventing backup and promoting proper drainage.
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