A client's ulcerative colitis symptoms have been present for longer than 1 week. The nurse recognizes that the client should be assessed carefully for signs of which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The client should be assessed carefully for signs of hypokalemia, a common complication of prolonged ulcerative colitis symptoms.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Diverticulitis is characterized by crampy lower left quadrant pain and a low-grade fever.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Sigmoidoscopy is the diagnostic test that confirms the diagnosis of an acute episode of ulcerative colitis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Dyspnea and reduced or absent breath sounds over the right lung are signs of a possible pneumothorax.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: After ileostomy closure surgery, it is recommended to eat six small meals a day to aid digestion and absorption.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: NG feeding is the preferred method for patients with a functioning GI tract but an inability to swallow foods.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Advise the patient to lose weight if obese to reduce the risk of complications after herniorrhaphy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Delegating tasks such as providing skin care, maintaining intake and output records, and obtaining the client's weight are within the scope of practice for an unlicensed assistant. Assessing bowel sounds and evaluating the response to medications require nursing judgment and should not be delegated.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a patient with acute pancreatitis and a history of alcohol abuse, glucose levels are most likely to be elevated.