During assessment of a client diagnosed with severe anemia, the nurse notes pallor of the skin and mucous membranes. Which explanation is the best rationale for this finding?

Choice A reason: Colon cancer is the most likely disorder that the client is at risk to develop because it is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine, which is the part of the digestive tract that absorbs water and forms stool. Colon cancer can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, diet, or inflammation. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers and inflammation in the inner lining of the colon and rectum, which are the last parts of the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis can increase the risk of colon cancer by causing DNA damage and abnormal cell growth in the colon.

Choice B reason: Crohn disease is not the most likely disorder that the client is at risk to develop because it is a different type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and damage in any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Crohn disease can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, immune system, or bacteria. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease have some similar symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or weight loss, but they are not the same condition and do not increase the risk of each other.

Choice C reason: Lactase deficiency is not the most likely disorder that the client is at risk to develop because it is a condition where the body does not produce enough lactase, which is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, which is a sugar that is found in milk and dairy products. Lactase deficiency can cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea after consuming lactose. Lactase deficiency can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, age, or intestinal injury. Ulcerative colitis does not affect the production of lactase, but it can cause lactose intolerance, which is a condition where the body cannot digest lactose properly due to the inflammation and damage of the colon.

Choice D reason: Irritable bowel syndrome is not the most likely disorder that the client is at risk to develop because it is a functional disorder that affects the movement and sensitivity of the bowel, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, or constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome can be triggered by various factors, such as stress, food, or hormones. Irritable bowel syndrome does not cause inflammation or damage to the bowel, unlike ulcerative colitis, and it does not increase the risk of colon cancer.

Choice A reason: Increased serum hydrostatic pressure is not the best explanation for the edema because it is caused by fluid overload, not malnutrition. Fluid overload can result from heart failure, kidney failure, or excessive fluid intake.

Choice B reason: Increased kidney filtration pressure is not the best explanation for the edema because it is caused by increased blood flow to the kidneys, not malnutrition. Increased blood flow to the kidneys can result from hypertension, diabetes, or renal artery stenosis.

Choice C reason: Decreased capillary osmotic pressure is the best explanation for the edema because it is caused by low plasma protein levels, which are common in malnutrition. Low plasma protein levels reduce the force that pulls fluid back into the capillaries from the interstitial space, leading to fluid accumulation in the tissues.

Choice D reason: Intracellular dehydration is not the best explanation for the edema because it is caused by loss of water from the cells, not malnutrition. Loss of water from the cells can result from hypernatremia, hyperglycemia, or osmotic diuresis.