The client inquires what the positive result from the potassium hydroxide (KOH) test indicates. Which of the following is an accurate response by the nurse?

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The inflammation can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, weight loss, or fever. The nurse should educate the client on how to manage inflammation and prevent complications.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease do not affect the entire alimentary canal, but different parts of it. Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon (large intestine) and rectum, while Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, most commonly the ileum (the last part of the small intestine). The nurse should explain the differences in location and extent of
the diseases.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease do not always require a bowel diversion, but only in some cases. A bowel diversion is a surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) in the abdomen to divert fecal matter into an external bag or pouch. It may be done to treat severe complications such as perforation, obstruction, fistula, or cancer. The nurse should inform the client about the indications, types, and care of bowel diversions.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are not caused by low-fat, high-fiber diets, but by unknown factors. The exact causes of IBD are not clear, but they may involve genetic, immune, environmental, or microbial factors. Low-fat, high-fiber diets may help prevent or reduce symptoms of IBD, but they do not cause them. The nurse should advise the client on how to follow a balanced and nutritious diet that suits their individual needs and preferences.

Choice A Reason: A virus is not detected by the KOH test, which is used to diagnose fungal infections of the skin, hair, or nails. A virus can be detected by other tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or viral culture.

Choice B Reason: A fungal infection is detected by the KOH test, which dissolves the skin cells and leaves behind the fungal elements that can be seen under a microscope. A fungal infection can cause symptoms such as itching, scaling, redness, or blisters.

Choice C Reason: A bacterial infection is not detected by the KOH test, which is specific for fungi. A bacterial infection can be detected by other tests, such as gram stain or culture.

Choice D Reason: Cancer is not detected by the KOH test, which is not a screening tool for malignancy. Cancer can be detected by other tests, such as biopsy or imaging.