A nurse is educating a patient about the risk factors for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale
Patients with a nasogastric (NG) tube to suction are at risk for hypokalemia. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, can occur due to increased losses from the gastrointestinal tract, which can occur with NG tube suction. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a vital role in many bodily functions, particularly in the heart and cardiovascular system. Therefore, any condition or intervention that leads to a significant loss of potassium, such as NG tube suction, can potentially lead to hypokalemia.
Choice B rationale

A tracheostomy tube attached to humidified oxygen is primarily used to help a patient breathe. It does not typically contribute to potassium loss or imbalance. Therefore, it is not likely to increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Choice C rationale
An indwelling urinary catheter to gravity drainage is used to drain urine from the bladder. While the kidneys do play a role in maintaining potassium balance, the use of a urinary catheter itself does not typically lead to significant potassium loss or increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Choice D rationale
A chest tube to water seal is used to remove air, fluid, or pus from the pleural space to help the lungs expand properly. It does not typically contribute to potassium loss or imbalance.
Therefore, it is not likely to increase the risk of hypokalemia.

Choice A rationale
While dietary iron restrictions can contribute to iron-deficiency anemia, they are not typically a symptom of ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that primarily affects the colon and rectum, and its symptoms are generally related to inflammation and damage in these areas.
Choice B rationale
Chronic blood loss is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis and a major contributing factor to the development of anemia in these patients. This is because the inflammation and ulceration in the colon and rectum can lead to bleeding, which over time can result in a significant loss of red blood cells.
Choice C rationale
Frequent diarrhea is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis, but it does not directly contribute to the development of anemia. However, severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to malnutrition and malabsorption of nutrients, including iron, which could indirectly contribute to anemia.
Choice D rationale

Abdominal pain is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis, but it does not directly contribute to the development of anemia. The pain is typically caused by inflammation and ulceration in the colon and rectum, not by a loss of red blood cells.