A nurse is planning care for a client who has anorexia and has manifestations of malnutrition. When reviewing the client's laboratory values. which of the following test results should the nurse expect to be low?

A. Docusate:
Docusate is a stool softener used to prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements. It is not typically used as a treatment for acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis.

B. A bowel cathartic medication:
Bowel cathartic medications are laxatives that promote bowel movements. They are generally not used to treat acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis and can sometimes worsen symptoms in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.

C. Aspirin:
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can worsen symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease and is generally avoided in individuals with ulcerative colitis.

D. A corticosteroid medication:
This is the correct answer. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are often used to reduce inflammation in the colon during acute exacerbations of ulcerative colitis. They help in managing the symptoms and promoting healing of the inflamed intestinal lining.

A. Perform leg exercises every 2 hr: Performing leg exercises every 2 hours is essential for preventing blood clots and maintaining circulation in immobile patients. This is especially important after surgery to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis.

B. Irrigate the nasogastric tube every 4 to 8 hr: Irrigating the nasogastric tube is not a standard nursing practice and should not be done without a physician's order. The nasogastric tube is typically used for decompression, drainage, or feeding. If the tube becomes clogged or there are concerns about drainage, the nurse should contact the healthcare provider for further instructions.

C. Maintain bed rest for 48 hr following surgery: While some bed rest might be necessary immediately after surgery, the goal is to encourage mobility as soon as possible to prevent complications such as atelectasis and deep vein thrombosis. Patients are usually encouraged to mobilize as soon as they are medically stable, often within hours after surgery.

D. Encourage hourly use of an incentive spirometer while awake: Using an incentive spirometer helps prevent atelectasis and promotes lung expansion after surgery. Encouraging the patient to use the incentive spirometer hourly while awake is a common nursing intervention to maintain respiratory function postoperatively.

E. Document the color, consistency, and amount of nasogastric drainage: Documenting the color, consistency, and amount of nasogastric drainage is crucial for monitoring the patient's condition. Changes in these factors could indicate bleeding, infection, or other complications, and timely documentation helps healthcare providers assess the patient's status and make appropriate interventions.