After assessing a patient with ulcerative colitis (UC), the nurse concludes that the patient has moderate disease. Which patient symptoms support the nurse's conclusion? (Select all that apply.)
Anorexia
Rectal bleeding
Left lower quadrant pain
Right lower quadrant pain
Steatorrhea
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
Choice A rationale
Anorexia, or loss of appetite, is common in UC due to abdominal pain and discomfort, as well as the psychological impact of chronic illness.
Choice B rationale
Rectal bleeding is a hallmark symptom of UC, indicating moderate to severe inflammation of the colon, which can lead to ulcers and bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Left lower quadrant pain is typical in UC because the disease often affects the descending colon, which is located in this area.
Choice D rationale
Right lower quadrant pain is more characteristic of conditions like appendicitis. UC typically does not cause pain in this area unless it is extensive and involves the right colon.
Choice E rationale
Steatorrhea, or fatty stools, can occur in UC if the disease affects the ileum, leading to malabsorption of fats.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hemorrhage refers to bleeding, which can be a serious complication of peptic ulcer disease but does not lead to the spilling of gastric contents into the peritoneal cavity.
Choice B rationale
Dumping syndrome is a condition where food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine, which can cause symptoms like nausea and abdominal pain, but it does not involve the leakage of gastric contents into the peritoneal cavity.
Choice C rationale
Perforation is the correct answer because it describes a hole forming in the wall of the stomach or duodenum, allowing gastric contents to spill into the peritoneal cavity, leading to peritonitis, which is a severe and life-threatening condition.
Choice D rationale
Gastric outlet obstruction is a blockage at the end of the stomach that prevents contents from entering the small intestine, which can cause vomiting and abdominal pain, but it does not result in the leakage of gastric contents into the peritoneal cavity.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Percussion between the iliac crest and ribs at the midaxillary line is not the standard method for assessing flank tenderness associated with pyelonephritis. This technique may not elicit the characteristic pain of kidney inflammation.
Choice B rationale
Pushing fingers upward into the two lowest intercostal spaces is not a specific test for flank tenderness and may not accurately assess for pyelonephritis. This action is more related to assessing the integrity of the rib cage and intercostal muscles.
Choice C rationale
Palpating along both sides of the lumbar vertebral column is not the correct method for assessing flank tenderness due to pyelonephritis. This approach is more suited for assessing the musculoskeletal structure rather than the kidneys.
Choice D rationale
Striking a flat hand over the costovertebral angle is the correct method for assessing flank tenderness in cases of suspected pyelonephritis. This technique, known as costovertebral angle tenderness, elicits pain when the kidneys are inflamed, which is a common sign of pyelonephritis.
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