Fluid and electrolyte balance is maintained through the process of fluid and solutes moving in and out of cells. What specific process allows fluid to pass through a membrane from a dilute to a more concentrated area?

Choice A reason: Ulcerative colitis is not a complication of diverticulitis. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers and inflammation in the colon and rectum. Diverticulitis is an acute condition that occurs when small pouches called diverticula in the colon become infected or inflamed.

Choice B reason: Dysphagia is not a complication of diverticulitis. Dysphagia is a term for difficulty swallowing, which can have many causes, such as stroke, nerve damage, or esophageal cancer. Diverticulitis affects the lower part of the digestive tract, not the upper part.

Choice C reason: Peritonitis is a complication of diverticulitis. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. It can be caused by a perforation or rupture of a diverticulum, which allows bacteria and fecal matter to enter the peritoneal space. Peritonitis is a serious and life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Choice D reason: Crohn's disease is not a complication of diverticulitis. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract, causing ulcers, fistulas, and strictures. Diverticulitis is an acute condition that affects only the colon, not the entire digestive tract.

Choice A reason: Slowing the rate to 50 mL/hr is not an appropriate action by the nurse before calling the physician to clarify the order. This could cause the client to become more hypovolemic, which is a condition where there is a decreased volume of blood in the body. Hypovolemia can lead to shock, organ failure, and death.

Choice B reason: Slowing the rate to 20 mL/hr is not an appropriate action by the nurse before calling the physician to clarify the order. This could also cause the client to become more hypovolemic, which is a serious and life-threatening condition. The nurse should not reduce the IV fluid rate without a physician's order.

Choice C reason: Increasing the rate to 250 mL/hr is not an appropriate action by the nurse before calling the physician to clarify the order. This could cause the client to become more hypervolemic, which is a condition where there is an excess of fluid in the blood vessels. Hypervolemia can cause fluid overload, pulmonary edema, and heart failure.

Choice D reason: Continuing the rate at 125 mL/hr is an appropriate action by the nurse before calling the physician to clarify the order. This is a reasonable rate for a client who has a head injury and hypovolemia, as it can help restore the fluid balance and prevent cerebral edema. The nurse should not change the IV fluid rate without a physician's order.