Which of the following symptoms is associated with ulcerative colitis?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of medical-surgical nursing, understanding the manifestations of gastrointestinal disorders like ulcerative colitis is crucial. The correct answer, B) Rectal bleeding, is associated with ulcerative colitis due to the inflammation and ulceration of the colon and rectum characteristic of this condition. Rectal bleeding is a hallmark symptom, indicating the presence of active disease and mucosal damage in ulcerative colitis. Option A) Dumping syndrome is incorrect as it is associated with rapid gastric emptying post-gastrectomy or gastric surgery, not ulcerative colitis. Option C) Soft stools are not specific to ulcerative colitis and can be seen in various gastrointestinal disorders. Option D) Fistulas are more commonly associated with conditions like Crohn's disease rather than ulcerative colitis. Educationally, recognizing the unique symptoms of ulcerative colitis, such as rectal bleeding, aids in prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of patients with this chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Understanding these distinctions is essential for nurses to provide quality care, educate patients on their condition, and collaborate effectively with healthcare teams in managing ulcerative colitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the medical management of Crohn's disease, using long-term steroid therapy (Option C) is the correct intervention. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that requires anti-inflammatory medications like steroids to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms over the long term. Steroids help control the immune response, decrease inflammation, and provide relief from symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. Options A, B, and D are incorrect interventions for Crohn's disease. - Increasing oral intake of fiber (Option A) can exacerbate symptoms in Crohn's disease as high-fiber foods may worsen diarrhea and abdominal pain in individuals with inflamed intestines. - Administering laxatives (Option B) is not recommended in Crohn's disease as they can further irritate the intestines and worsen diarrhea. - Increasing physical activity (Option D) can be beneficial for overall health but is not a primary intervention for managing the symptoms and inflammation associated with Crohn's disease. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the medical management of Crohn's disease is crucial for nursing students to provide safe and effective care to patients with this condition. It highlights the importance of appropriate medication management and individualized treatment plans based on the pathophysiology of the disease. This rationale reinforces the need for evidence-based practice in nursing and the importance of considering the specific needs of patients with chronic conditions like Crohn's disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a client with Crohn's disease, the correct answer for the symptom that should not be a direct result of antibiotic therapy is option C) Decrease in body weight. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Antibiotic therapy is often used to manage infections or complications in Crohn's disease, but it is not primarily aimed at causing weight loss. Option A) Decrease in bleeding is incorrect because antibiotics can help resolve infections that may be contributing to gastrointestinal bleeding in Crohn's disease. Option B) Decrease in temperature is incorrect as antibiotics can help reduce fever associated with infections. Option D) Decrease in the number of stools is incorrect because antibiotics can help improve diarrhea by treating underlying infections or inflammation in Crohn's disease. From an educational perspective, understanding the expected outcomes of antibiotic therapy in Crohn's disease is essential for nurses caring for these patients. By knowing the appropriate responses to treatment, nurses can monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and provide comprehensive care to promote positive patient outcomes. Additionally, differentiating between expected and unexpected responses to therapy helps nurses identify potential complications and adjust the plan of care accordingly.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of medical surgical nursing, understanding the rationale behind the surgical management of ulcerative colitis is crucial for providing effective patient care. In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Bowel perforation. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the colon and rectum. In severe cases, ulcerative colitis can lead to complications such as toxic megacolon, which can result in bowel perforation. Surgical management in ulcerative colitis is often indicated for patients who do not respond to medical therapy or who develop serious complications like bowel perforation. Now, let's analyze why the other options are incorrect: A) Gastritis: Gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining, which is not a direct complication of ulcerative colitis. B) Bowel herniation: While bowel herniation can occur in various conditions, it is not a common complication specifically associated with ulcerative colitis. C) Bowel outpouching: This is more commonly seen in conditions like diverticulosis/diverticulitis and is not a typical complication of ulcerative colitis. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing the potential complications of ulcerative colitis and the need for timely surgical intervention in cases of bowel perforation to prevent further complications like sepsis or peritonitis. Understanding these concepts is essential for nurses caring for patients with ulcerative colitis to ensure prompt identification and appropriate management of complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of irritable bowel disease (IBD), the most appropriate medication for treating associated pain is Acetaminophen (Option A). Acetaminophen is preferred over other options for several reasons. Firstly, it is a non-opioid analgesic that helps relieve pain without causing the potential risks and side effects associated with opiates (Option B), such as respiratory depression, constipation, and the risk of dependence. Steroids (Option C) are not typically used for treating pain in IBD; they are more commonly used for reducing inflammation in conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Stool softeners (Option D) are primarily used to prevent or treat constipation and do not directly address pain associated with IBD. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind selecting Acetaminophen for pain management in IBD is crucial for nursing students. It reinforces the importance of selecting appropriate analgesics based on the patient's condition, potential side effects, and overall treatment goals. This knowledge helps students develop critical thinking skills in pharmacology and patient care, ensuring safe and effective pain management practices in clinical settings.