A nurse is caring for a client who is being admitted for an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Investigate the client's emotional concerns:

While addressing emotional concerns is important, assessing electrolyte imbalances and physiological stability takes precedence in managing an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis.

B. Check the client's perianal skin integrity:

Assessing perianal skin integrity is crucial, especially in inflammatory bowel disease, but it might not be the immediate priority compared to evaluating electrolyte imbalances.

C. Obtain a dietary history from the client:

Although dietary history is relevant for managing ulcerative colitis, the urgency lies in assessing and managing potential electrolyte imbalances due to the exacerbation of the condition.

D. Review the client's electrolyte values:

This is the correct action. During an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis, the client is at risk of electrolyte imbalances due to diarrhea, dehydration, and potential fluid and electrolyte losses. Promptly reviewing the electrolyte values helps identify any imbalances that might require immediate intervention.

A. Administer medications:

While nasogastric tubes can be used to administer medications, this is not the primary rationale for their use in pyloric obstruction. The primary goal is often decompression.

B. Supply nutrients via tube feedings:

Providing nutrients via tube feedings is not the primary purpose in the context of a pyloric obstruction. Decompression is more relevant in this scenario.

C. Decompress the stomach:

Decompressing the stomach is a common use of nasogastric tubes in the context of pyloric obstruction. The tube helps to remove excess air and gastric contents, relieving pressure in the stomach.

D. Determine the pH of the gastric secretions:

While determining the pH of gastric secretions is a possible use, it is not the primary rationale for nasogastric tube placement in pyloric obstruction. The primary goal is often to relieve obstruction and decompress the stomach.