The nurse provides care for a client with a 10-year history of Crohn's disease. Which finding best describes a common complication of Crohn's disease?

Choice A reason: Enlargement of the spleen is not a common sign of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but it may occur in some cases. It is more likely to be associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or Hodgkin lymphoma.

Choice B reason: Confusion and agitation are not typical symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but they may indicate central nervous system involvement or metabolic disturbances. They are more common in patients with brain tumors or infections.

Choice C reason: Frequent respiratory infections are a possible manifestation of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as the disease affects the immune system and makes the client more susceptible to infections. The respiratory tract is one of the most common sites of infection in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Choice D reason: Painful lesions of the lips and oral mucosa are not characteristic of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but they may be caused by other conditions such as herpes simplex virus, aphthous ulcers, or oral cancer. They are more common in patients with immunodeficiency or poor oral hygiene.

Choice A reason: Hemothorax is not the correct explanation because it is a condition where blood accumulates in the pleural space, which is the area between the lungs and the chest wall. Hemothorax can cause low blood pressure, rapid breathing, and reduced breath sounds, but it does not cause tracheal deviation, which is a sign of increased pressure in the chest.

Choice B reason: Absorption atelectasis is not the correct explanation because it is a condition where the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs, collapse due to lack of oxygen. Absorption atelectasis can cause reduced breath sounds, but it does not cause low blood pressure, rapid breathing, or tracheal deviation, which are signs of a life-threatening emergency.

Choice C reason: Tension pneumothorax is the correct explanation because it is a condition where air leaks into the pleural space and creates a one-way valve that prevents the air from escaping. This causes the pressure in the chest to increase, which compresses the lung, the heart, and the great vessels. Tension pneumothorax can cause low blood pressure, rapid breathing, absent breath sounds, and tracheal deviation, which are signs of a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Choice D reason: Hypovolemic shock is not the correct explanation because it is a condition where the body loses a large amount of blood or fluid, which reduces the blood volume and the blood pressure. Hypovolemic shock can cause low blood pressure and rapid breathing, but it does not cause absent breath sounds or tracheal deviation, which are signs of a chest injury.