A nurse is educating a patient who has a history of ulcerative colitis and has recently been diagnosed with anemia.
Which of the following symptoms of colitis should the nurse identify as a contributing factor to the development of anemia?
Dietary iron restrictions
Chronic blood loss
Frequent diarrhea
Abdominal pain
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for urinary tract infections (UTIs). High blood sugar levels can impair the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Additionally, diabetes can cause nerve damage that affects the bladder’s ability to empty completely, allowing bacteria to grow.
Choice B rationale
Anemia itself is not a direct risk factor for UTIs. Anemia is a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, which does not contribute to the development of UTIs.
Choice C rationale
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) primarily affects the lungs and does not increase the risk of UTIs. COPD can make it harder to breathe, but it does not have a direct impact on the urinary system.
Choice D rationale
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It does not increase the risk of UTIs. Osteoporosis and UTIs are not directly related as they affect different systems within the body.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
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